The 2015 earthquake in Nepal devastated many communities, including the village of Barpak in Gorkha district, which was near the epicenter. The local school, which served over 300 students, was completely destroyed, leaving children without a place to learn.

In partnership with local authorities and international donors, Akumaya Foundation initiated a school rebuilding project in 2016. The goal was not just to rebuild the physical structure but to create a safer, more resilient learning environment.

The new school was designed to be earthquake-resistant, with proper foundations and reinforced structures. It includes eight classrooms, a library, a computer lab, and proper sanitation facilities for boys and girls.

Beyond the physical infrastructure, the project also focused on training teachers in disaster preparedness and psychological support for children who had experienced trauma during the earthquake.

The school was completed in 2018 and now serves as a model for earthquake-resistant school construction in the region. It has become a community hub, hosting various educational and cultural activities.

"After the earthquake, we thought our children's education would be severely disrupted. But thanks to the new school, they are learning in a better environment than before," says Ram Bahadur, a parent and community leader.

The success of this project demonstrates the importance of building back better after disasters. By incorporating disaster risk reduction measures into reconstruction efforts, communities can become more resilient to future hazards.