Rebuilding Hope for children in Sukurdung

The Trust is rebuilding hope for children in Saraswati, a small village in Nepal’s Baglung district, through a major school rebuild.

Saraswati Secondary School was left in a desperate state after localised flooding in 2021 swept away some of the school buildings and left others damaged and crumbling. It was a profound reminder that natural disasters, so prevalent in Nepal, have an impact across communities, including disrupting children’s education.

A History of Resilience Amid Rising Numbers

Originally established as a primary school in 1964 and upgraded to a secondary school in 2010 with government support, Saraswati Secondary School plays an indispensable role in the area. For many local children, it is the only practical pathway to an education, the nearest alternative primary school is a 30-minute walk away, while the next secondary school is over an hour’s journey.

Despite the destruction, learning did not stop. Teachers and pupils persevered inside unsafe buildings while initial work began on a new site higher up the hillside. However, the new location lacked enough classrooms to accommodate the number of students, and with no further funding available, the school faced a severe space crisis.

Students were forced to learn in extreme, overcrowded conditions, sometimes with as many as 90 children crammed into a single room.

The urgency for safe infrastructure became critical as enrollment steadily climbed, jumping from 446 pupils in 2023 to 529 pupils in 2025.

Transforming Saraswati Secondary School

Recognising the urgent need to protect these children’s education, The Gurkha Welfare Trust stepped in to construct a purpose-built, resilient learning environment.

Earlier this year, thanks to our generous supporters, we completed a major school rebuild project, delivering:

– 12 Earthquake-Resilient Classrooms: Safe, modern learning spaces engineered to withstand future natural disasters, ensuring both students and teachers feel secure.

– Upgraded Sanitation Facilities: New gender-separate toilets, an accessible toilet for disabled students and a Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) room.

– A Fully Equipped Library: A dedicated space filled with educational resources to foster a love of reading and support academic growth.

– Modern Furniture & Learning Supplies: 60 sets of combo desk-benches, clear whiteboards, carpeted areas for early-grade learners, and child-friendly furniture.

Breaking the Cycle of Disadvantage

These new facilities do far more than provide shelter from the elements. They offer an environment where children can build confidence, master new skills, and unlock their full potential.

Education remains one of the most powerful tools for lifting communities out of poverty and social exclusion. In Sukurdung, where most students come from marginalised backgrounds, these bright, safe classrooms offer something invaluable: a chance to break the cycle of disadvantage and build a brighter future.