Rautahat district, located in the central region, has a very high proportion of Dalits (untouchables) and marginalized ethnic groups, as well as the lowest literacy rate (42 %) of all districts in Nepal (women: 32 %, men: 51 %). The district’s schools are extremely overcrowded; over 100 pupils per classroom are common. It is therefore one of the districts with the most need for support.

Pokharia is one of the most remote villages in Rautahat and its school attracts all children from the surrounding villages as it offers the only education in the area. The lack of space in the Shree Millat Basic School was therefore particularly striking: 529 children (229 boys and 300 girls) and their nine teachers had to share only four classrooms! Meaningful lessons were hardly possible.

Chay Ya therefore decided to extend the school building by adding four new classrooms on the first floor. This should not only improve the quality of teaching, but also improve the attendance of the pupils. In future, all children here should have the chance to successfully complete at least basic schooling.

Paroha Municipality is bearing 50 % of the construction costs and will take care of all the following running costs.