Minister for Education, Science and Technology Giriraj Mani Pokharel and Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Yu Hong on Friday jointly laid the foundation stone for the reconstruction of Durbar High School that was destroyed by the devastating earthquake of April 25, 2015.

The oldest modern school in Nepal based at Rani Pokhari in Kathmandu is being rebuilt with the assistance from Chinese government.  Earlier, an agreement was reached between Nepal government’s Ministry of Finance and Chinese government’s Commerce Minister for rebuilding the school.

Addressing the foundation stone laying ceremony today, Minister Pokharel hoped that the school having its own history would be rebuilt with its traditional design on time. He informed about his concept to convert all community schools into well-equipped schools.

Minister Pokharel further noted that he had unveiled 10-point roadmap with the concept of “complete school “after he assumed the post of Education Minister. He thanked the Chinese government for its assistance in rebuilding the school and expressed his hope that the reconstruction will be completed on time.

At the function, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Yu Hong said the China government is always ready to support Nepal. She said 2 of the 25 post-earthquake reconstruction projects undertaken by China have been completed, and 17 others are in construction phase. She said six of projects are being studied for feasibility.  The rebuilding of Durbar High school is part of the Chinese aid project.  

“The school will be safe, beautiful and traditional, and will remain as a memento of China-Nepal friendship,” said Ambassador Hong.   Recalling various difficulties faced until the school arrived at the rebuilding phase, she hailed the victory of challenges.

The school rebuilding project is targeted to complete in 20 months with an estimated budget of Rs 901 million.