Humla students endure classes in makeshift structures

By Rajan Rawat,Humla, Apr. 26: Southern Humla students have been compelled to study in makeshift tin-roofed sheds for the past year after the demolition of unsafe school buildings.

At Kaishalpuri Secondary School in Pals village of Adanchuli Rural Municipality–6, old and dilapidated structures were torn down due to safety concerns.

In their place, temporary shelters made of wood and zinc sheets were erected, where students continue their studies under challenging conditions.

According to a local, Ganesh Bohara, the old buildings were demolished about a year ago after being deemed too risky for use.

Despite prior requests for new infrastructure, no response has been received from the authorities, forcing the school to rely on temporary arrangements.

Principal Dal Bahadur Budha stated that students from Early Childhood Development (ECD) to grade eight are currently studying in these sheds. Meanwhile, students of grades nine and ten are attending classes in another dilapidated and unsafe building. The school administration office is also operated from a similarly dilapidated structure.

The situation worsens during the monsoon season, as rainwater leaks through the tin roofs, while during summer, the sheds become unbearably hot, according to students.

They further expressed concern that noise emanating from the metal structures further disrupts the learning environment, thereby affecting students’ concentration.

A total of 322 students are enrolled at the school, comprising 171 girls and 151 boys.

Despite the inadequate infrastructure, teaching continues with limited staff support—including three teachers at the primary level, three at the lower secondary level, and three funded by the federal government.