Japan Pledges NPR 18.6 Million for Earthquake Recovery at Bajhang School

 

Kathmandu, Nepal, March 12, 2026: The Government of Japan has officially extended a grant of USD 129,665 (approximately NPR 18.6 million) to support the construction of new classrooms at Shree Satyavadi Higher Secondary School in the Bajhang District. The grant contract was signed today at the Embassy of Japan in Kathmandu by H.E. Mr. MAEDA Toru, Ambassador of Japan to Nepal, and Ms. Dhana Lama, Executive Director of the United Mission to Nepal Medical and Development Trust (UMNMDT). This assistance is provided under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) and will be managed by UMNMDT.

 

Shree Satyavadi Higher Secondary School, a cornerstone of education in the region since its establishment in 1906, currently serves approximately 1,700 students. However, the institution was severely impacted by the earthquake in October 2023, which exacerbated an already chronic shortage of adequate learning spaces. The upcoming project will fund the construction of a two-story building featuring eight new classrooms, designed to restore a safe and effective learning environment for students and teachers who have struggled to maintain educational activities since the disaster.

 

The Embassy of Japan noted that the project is intended to bolster social resilience during the critical post-earthquake rehabilitation phase. Furthermore, as this year marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Nepal, the Embassy expressed its hope that this educational partnership will further deepen the enduring ties between the two nations. By providing a stable physical infrastructure, the initiative aims to ensure that the historic school can continue its mission of serving the youth of Bajhang for years to come.