The Nepal Earthquake of 25 April and 12 May 2015 destroyed or severely damaged most of the 356 houses and most of the school buildings in Bhakanje VDC (municipality). The Secondary School of Sagar-Bhakanje was severely damaged, leaving only one building intact (built to earthquake-proof standards ) while five n 2014buildings too damaged to occupy safely. Fortunately the earthquake occurred on a Saturday at the beginning of school holidays when the school was closed, otherwise many children would have been killed or injured.
The Rotary Club of Northbridge raised funds in a bucket appeal at Northbridge Plaza. These funds, together with a Rotary grant and a generous contribution from a Northbridge resident, paid for the reconstruction of two of the classrooms at the Sagar-Bhakanje Secondary School.
The Club worked with the Rotary Clubs of Kathmandu, Nepal and Skivehus, Denmark, the School Coulcil, and Himalayan Project Nepal (HIPRON) to deliver the project. All materials and labour were sourced in Nepal, providing much needed revenue and work opportunities.
This means that, thanks to Rotary and the people of Northbridge, normal school operations can recommence for the 145 students and 13 teachers.
