School Needing Repairs and Expansion

Shankar Basic School was one of only two educational institutions serving the village community in Narkatiya, in the Rautahat district. Despite its vital role, the school was severely under-resourced and urgently required the construction of new classrooms, with over 200 students studying under extremely challenging conditions. The original school structures (made from mud with bush-thatched roofs) had deteriorated significantly, primarily due to damage caused by monsoons and other environmental factors.

Learning in Harsh Conditions

As a result, students had been displaced and were attending classes on the open floor of the village meeting place, covered by a basic metal sheet roof. The space lacked the infrastructure necessary for effective learning and students were forced to study in combined classes. This not only impacted the quality of education, but also created a highly disruptive and challenging learning environment, especially as winters are ice cold and summers are extremely hot in Nepal.

Building a Brighter Future

In 2025, with funding from the Carnevali Foundation and a 20% contribution from the Paroha Municipality, Chay Ya undertook a project to build eight new classrooms plus separate girls’ and boys’ toilets to create a safe, well-structured, and inspiring learning environment for the students at Shankar Basic School.

Space to Learn and Thrive

The proposed renovations would enable proper separation of grade levels, ensuring that each group receives focused instruction in a dedicated space. This improved learning environment aimed to enhance students’ concentration, academic growth, and overall well-being – boosting school attendance and allowing them to continue their education and strive toward a brighter future.

Overcoming Challenges, Delivering Success

There are often unpredictable challenges to navigate during construction projects in Nepal: from weather and transportation constraints, to fluctuations in construction material prices and skilled labor availability. However, Chay Ya has developed many strategies to successfully cope with these difficult conditions and the project was recently completed on time and budget. 

Transforming Lives Through Education

Thanks to another successful collaboration between Carnevali Foundation and Chay Ya, the 212 students  (112 boys and 100 girls) attending the newly renovated Shankar Basic School can now benefit from a safe and supportive learning environment that fosters academic growth, confidence, and opportunity. Yet another concrete example of our commitment to transform underprivileged communities, One School At a Time.