Elevate Nepal’s 2015 budget lacked the funds necessary to rebuild Patelshor’s Primary school encompassing 259 students, but with assistance from Trek Nepal Foundation, we arranged for the laborers and materials necessary to build two toilets, purchasing building materials strong enough to withstand future earthquakes. We were welcomed with gracious Nepali hospitality, and the project was a community effort; involving five villagers with previous construction experience to lead the project, and many community members volunteered labor after long days spent harvesting rice for winter. School students helped move rocks and rubble during school breaks and between lessons. The Elevate Nepal team provided guidance, based on our knowledge of the building trades.
The project was completed in three weeks. The school now has two toilets – one for boys, one for girls, and two washbasins, encouraging hygiene and providing a healthy environment for students and staff. The villagers and school staff thanked us, and an Indian non-governmental organization (NGO) has rebuilt the primary school.
