China Aid extends helping hand to Nepal’s Madhes Province

KATHMANDU: China Aid has joined hands with United Nations Development Program (UNDP) to support schools and communities in Madhes Province of Nepal.

As part of the assistance, a special project to “Support for schools and communities in remote areas for Pandemic Prevention and Green Recovery” was unveiled in Barahathawa Municipality in Sarlahi district on Thursday.

The project will support 25 government schools in Sarlahi and Rautahat districts, benefiting 15,000 students, and 7500 families.

Addressing the function, Provincial Minister for Physical Infrastructures and Development Saroj Kumar Yadav expressed gratitude for selecting Madhes Province and establishing new model projects in the region.

Stating that mega development projects are being developed in China, Yadav said that it could have a huge significance for Nepal’s development and prosperity.

On the occasion, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song remarked that the project would create safe and healthy learning environment for students and communities against extreme weather events, disasters and extreme shocks.

“In 2022, the Ministerial Meeting of the Group of Friends of the Global Development Initiative released the first batch of 50 projects of GDI projects pool, in which this project was included,” Song said, adding that the projects of GDI have been creating huge contributions to Nepal and the world.

He also announced two major projects including ‘clean drinking water’ and ‘lightening the villages’ starting from Madhes Province.

In response, Mayor of Barahathawa Municipality Kalpana Kumari Katuwal remarked that the support would be highly beneficial for the local communities.

“I believe this is a new beginning, and together with the partners, we can bring bright changes in the lives of general public, mostly to poor and backward communities.”

Jullien Chevillard, UNDP Nepal’s Deputy Resident Representative, stated that investment in education and green recovery is crucial to address the impacts of climate change, and to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

The latest project is implemented by China Foundation for Rural Development (CFRD), while was researched by World Education.

Wu Peng, Director of International Development Department of CFRD, informed that the organization has supported more than 60 districts across 7 Provinces, directly benefitting over a half million population.

“With joint partnerships, we want to help communities to be restored from pandemic and disasters, and help Nepali public have a better life,” Peng remarked.

Under the latest project, the schools will be provided with necessary equipment and goods like desks, tables and book racks to enhance learning environment, students with stationaries package, and communities with essential items like mats and improved stoves.