In 2005, civil war in Nepal forced Yangrima Primary School in rural Shermathang village to shut its doors and send its children home. The future seemed bleak for an institution so vital to its local community, and over the years many families moved away in search of education for their children. Through the work of our project partners, and the determination of the local community and countless volunteers, Yangrima School re-opened its doors in 2009 and is now going from strength to strength.

New Partnerships

As part of this continuing process of growth, Childreach International have sponsored an innovative programme that facilitates a partnership between Yangrima School and Dhulikhel Hospital which will see the installation of a permanent health centre at the school. This partnership will no doubt provide huge benefits to the rural community, which is currently located about a five hour walk away from the nearest government health facility.

Providing access to healthcare in rural communities such as Shermathang is vital to the development and wellbeing of children. Without adequate healthcare within the community, children are vulnerable to illnesses such as pneumonia, diarrhoea and dysentery, as well as non-infectious diseases.

Holistic approach to development

Home to 140 students (55% male, 45% female), Yangrima Boarding School will be the focus of the new project, with health facilities provided to the children through the school. The project will adopt a more holistic approach to community health development through social led programs and activities. Two of the rooms in the school will also be renovated to be utilised as the school's health clinic. The clinic will not only provide treatment to children and members of the local community, but will also focus on encouraging knowledge and awareness of preventative health care. This sustainable project model will also see at least five teachers at Yangrima receive training on issues such as health, hygiene and first aid.

Community engagement

As part of the project, a paramedic will be stationed at the centre, and through a school health club, will provide 10-15 children with important health information. The students, who will be grade six to nine, will also be orientated and trained by representatives from Dhulikhel Hospital and the paramedic on waste management, safe drinking water and sanitation. The children will then pass on what they have learned through holding fortnightly or monthly meetings with mothers groups, women's groups and general community engagement. This will allow the project to grow in an organic, community-led way, creating an environment of shared and collective knowledge.