China-built Jiri School building inaugurated

By Our Correspondent,Charikot, Dec. 13: Chudamani Paudel, secretary of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, inaugurated the newly constructed Jiri Secondary School building on Friday.

The school is built with a grant from the Chinese government.

During the inauguration programme, Secretary Paudel stated that only a transformation in the education sector could lead to societal change. He also said that development in the education sector was one of the major priorities of the ministry.

Secretary Paudel emphasised that providing quality and technology-enabled education by utilising the physical infrastructure of the school is essential in modern times.

Secretary Paudel emphasised the need for a modern education system that attracts students, even from outside the district.

Kumar Jirel, Headmaster of the school, stated that the new structure would enhance and modernise the educational environment.

“This structure is not only a building, but also a base to make the future. And this infrastructure has created opportunities for all students, parents, and the community. Now the students will be able to participate in learning through the high-tech room, library, and playground,” said Jirel.

An agreement was signed between Nepal and China on May 28, 2019, for school infrastructure. Similarly, the China 19th Metallurgical Group Corporation began construction in March 2023.

After the construction was completed in July 2025, Chen Song, the Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, officially handed over the building to the Education Ministry of Nepal on October 16 this year.

On the occasion of the school's 65th anniversary, the new building was inaugurated on Friday, according to Headmaster Jirel.

Spanning an area of approximately 6,628 square meters, the school building comprises a cafeteria, an assembly hall, a library, student dormitories, teacher housing, and a playground.

Principal Jirel also informed that the school was constructed with a budget of Rs. 72 million RMB. The school currently has 507 students studying from nursery to grade 12.