The Transformation of Durga Mahalinga Secondary School

The opening ceremony at Durga Mahalinga Secondary School

In 2021, Durga Mahalinga Secondary School, nestled in the hills of West Nepal, experienced damaging landslides. Triggered by flooding in the area, the structure of one of the main school buildings was severely compromised. The situation worsened after the 2023 Bajhang earthquake, further affecting the school’s structural integrity. With a leaking roof and crumbling walls, the building was declared unfit, leaving students and teachers out of a safe learning environment. It was ultimately abandoned, used only for storing broken furniture.

In 2024, the Australian Himalayan Foundation, in partnership with REED Nepal and Build Up Nepal, began a project to deliver four modern, earthquake-resistant classrooms, complete with a rainwater harvesting system to Durga Mahalinga. To safeguard the school from future disasters, a retaining wall was built, along with amphitheater-style steps to enhance the student’s sporting area. 

Old school building.

Old classroom interior.

Broken stairway to upper classrooms.

Rear view of the old building.

Rear of old building.

Images of Durga Mahalinga Secondary School’s old damaged structure.

Building back safer and stronger

With the damaged structure at Durga Mahalinga torn down, work began on the construction of a new building that met modern seismic standards. The new school building was built using Compressed Stabilised Earth Block (CSEB) technology—an earthquake-resistant, cost-effective method that uses locally available materials. Build Up Nepal introduced an innovative brick-making machine, enabling the community to produce  the blocks on-site. 

Committed to improving their school, the school management committee established a construction committee of parents, many of whom were skilled masons, carpenters and laborers. These local tradespeople and community members received hands-on training in CSEB construction, gaining valuable transferable skills and allowing them to help coordinate the project.

“After completing the training, I feel more competent and motivated in my profession. The continuous supervision and guidance from engineers has strengthened our abilities and my team and I now feel confident in constructing larger, more complex buildings.” - Santosh Rokaya, Head Mason

Old school building demolished.

Excavation of the area to accomodate larger building.

Marking up the structure of the new building.

Excavation of site and construction of the retaining wall.

Retaining wall near completion

Making of Compressed Stabilised Earth Blocks (CSEB).

Chief Project Engineer Satya Raj Panday sitting on blocks ready for construction.

Foundations laid.

Amphitheatre style steps on the lower level for student’s sporting area.

Walls of the building begin to take shape with doors installed.

Workers check the installation of the doors and windows.

Walls gaining height!

Building ready for its roof installation.

Roof installed and building ready for interiors.

Insulation and ceiling installed to protect students from the cold of winter and the noise of monsoon rain.

Front view of the new school pre painting.

Bright and vibrant, the new block is painted.

The classroom is now a bright, engaging and safe learning environment.

View of the tank for rainwater harvesting.

Front view of the finished and painted new building.

Construction process of the new school building.

A new beginning for students

The improved safety and modern construction of the new building at Durga Mahalinga Secondary School reassured parents, encouraging more children to attend school regularly. For students like Anusha, school now takes place in a bright, modern and safe environment. 

"Now we can study without fear. The school feels stronger, and we know we are safe during earthquakes." - Anusha, student at Durga Mahalinga Secondary School

Beyond infrastructure, AHF’s Sambridhee Paschim West Nepal project is strengthening the education system in Khaptadchhanna, promoting quality and inclusive education across 38 schools in West Nepal. Teachers have been trained in interactive, child-friendly teaching methods, vulnerable students have received support to continue their education and schools now have improved teaching materials and well-equipped learning corners.

The project has also helped break down social barriers within the school. Anusha, a student from a Dalit family, shared how children from higher castes once refused to sit with Dalit students and often called them names. However, thanks to school-wide inclusion programs, students now sit, study and play together as equals. During the opening ceremony of the new school building, Anusha played a leading role, proudly guiding her classmates in song and dance presentations. 

Students line the school driveway to greet officials.

Members of Reed Nepal and the School Management Committee

The local community gathered to celebrate.

Opening of the new building.

Opening ceremony for the new school building.

The power of community-led change

This rebuild was more than just constructing a school—it was about empowering an entire community. By employing local labor, providing training in modern construction techniques and using sustainable materials, the new Durga Mahalinga Secondary School became a symbol of resilience and progress.

“Involving community members in decision-making, design discussions and construction activities promoted a sense of ownership and pride in the project.” - Satya Raj Panday, REED Nepal Project Engineer 

This transformation was made possible through innovative building methods, strong community collaboration and a shared commitment to improving education in West Nepal. In February this year, the new school was officially inaugurated with a ceremony attended by the local community, teachers, students and their families and staff from REED Nepal, Build Up Nepal and the Australian Himalayan Foundation. 

"The Rural Municipality is overjoyed with the construction of a modern school in Khaptadchhanna. This school has exceeded all expectations, standing as a symbol of progress and hope for the future. This accomplishment demonstrates the strength of community, teamwork and dedication to education. Together, we are creating a better future!” - Satya Raj Panday, REED Nepal Project Engineer 

By making a donation to the Australian Himalayan Foundation, you can help communities access better education. Give now.

*Students' names have been changed to protect their identity.

Read more about our Education Programs.