Two schools in Namkha Rural Municipality have been continuing their classes despite the lockdown. The two basic schools in Limi, Namhka Ward No.6 are teaching their students citing that there’s no threat of coronavirus spread in the area.

Every year, the new academic session starts in Humla from mid February. But this year, the schools were only opened in Limi in mid-March due to the massive snowfall during mid-February to mid-March. Chhiingmendak Lama, a local teacher, said that there’s no threat of coronavirus and the effect of lockdown in Limi. “If we stop schools, the courses cannot be completed in time. That’s why we continued school even during the lockdown,” said Lama.

Currently, there are 45 students in Sunkhani Primary School in Limi. The pathway connecting Limi is still obstructed by the snowfall.

“We only have local teachers so there is no problem in running the classes even when the path is still blocked due to the snowfall,” Karnajeet Budha, the headmaster of one of the schools, said.

Nara and Nyalu border points (which connect Limi) are still blocked due to the snowfall. According to Budha, the School Management Committee has been providing mid day meals to the students.

Paljor Tamang, the ward chairman of Namkha Ward No. 6, claimed that there’s no chance of coronavirus infection in Limi.

“Snow has not been cleared from the pathway. That’s why there’s no chance of the outsiders arriving here to bring the virus,” he said.

Bishnu Shahi, chief at Education Development and Coordination Unit in Humla, said schools in Limi are being operated by the teachers appointed through the private funds of the schools.

Limi is a five days walk from Simkot, the district headquarters of Humla.