“Gift of Warmth” Nepal School Support Initiative – Back to School Disaster Support Project

Description

Namobuddha, 1–6 February – The Rotary Club of Kathmandu Height successfully organized a community outreach program titled “Gift of Warmth”, distributing warm sweaters to 1,000 students from 11 community schools in Wards 1 to 4 of Namobuddha Municipality, Kavrepalanchok. The activity was conducted under the Nepal School Support Initiative – Back to School Disaster Support Project. This project was launched in 2024 following the severe floods and landslides that impacted Kavrepalanchok District and Solukhumbu District. The disasters caused significant damage to school infrastructure and disrupted the education of thousands of students. In response, the Rotary Club of Kathmandu Height initiated this program through both local and international collaboration to help affected students return to school and continue their education. The initiative has received financial and technical support from Rotary Club of Columbia Center, Rotary Club of Cranbrook Sunrise, Rotary Club of Cranbrook (Rotary International District 5080, USA–Canada), and Rotary Club of Timmins–Porcupine (Rotary International District 7010, Canada). Locally, the project is being implemented under the coordination of the Rotary Club of Kathmandu Height in partnership with Namobuddha Municipality, Solududhkunda Municipality, Sanskriti Farms & Research Center, and The Small World, along with other supporting partners. The project was led by President-Elect (2026–27) Shreekrishna Dhital, with the objective of ensuring equal and fair opportunities for students from low-income and disaster-affected communities. The initiative emphasizes that climate-related disasters should not interrupt children’s access to education. The first phase of the program for this year has been successfully completed. In the upcoming second phase, the project plans to distribute stationery and sports materials to schools, plant fruit saplings, and introduce a day-meal support program. These activities aim to improve students’ nutrition and enhance their learning capacity. The program was conducted in the following schools of Namobuddha Municipality: Bhimeshwar, Amar, Janajagruti, Janata, Kalika, Krishna, Mahankal, and Sansari Devi Basic Schools, as well as Janakalyan, Mathurapati, and Ram Secondary Schools. In the next stage, the project will also be expanded to Solududhkunda Municipality in Solukhumbu to support students in remote and highly affected communities. Overall, it is estimated that more than 2,500 students will benefit from the Nepal School Support Initiative. This program not only supports post-disaster educational recovery but also contributes to improving children’s health, nutrition, and community resilience to climate change. It stands as a strong example of Rotary’s commitment to education, disaster response, climate adaptation, international cooperation, and effective local leadership.

Project Status

Funding Type

District Grant Funded

Club Information

info@rotaryktmheight.org