The China Foundation for Rural Development (CFRD), with support from the Chinese Embassy in Nepal and its Youth Pioneer Group (CNYP), on Tuesday handed over two key projects in Madhesh Province aimed at improving education and healthcare services.

Under the “Enlightening the Future” initiative, CFRD provided 144 sets of desks and benches, smartboards, whiteboards, stationery, and 602 school uniform sets to two community schools. The project aims to enhance the teaching and learning environment in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

As part of the “Aaramdayik Birthing Aviyaan” (comfortable birthing campaign), air conditioners were installed in birthing rooms at the Madhesh Provincial Hospital to improve maternal care facilities.

Former Deputy Prime Minister Ishwor Pokhrel attended the education event, while Speaker of Madhesh Province Assembly Ramchandra Mandal was chief guest at the health-related ceremony. Other attendees included Commercial Counselor of the Chinese Embassy Xie Yu, CFRD Nepal Country Director Zou Zhiqiang, Founding Chief Commissioner of Madheshi Commission Vijay Kumar Datta, Vice Chair of the Madhesh Province Planning Commission Sohan Sah, Member of Parliament Juli Mahato, and Provincial Assembly Member Kanishk Patel.

Zou said the projects reflect the Chinese people’s continued concern for the development of Madhesh’s communities and highlighted CFRD’s broader commitment to supporting quality education, healthcare, and clean water in Nepal’s remote regions. From 2016 to 2025, CFRD has distributed “Love” and “Warm” packages to over 30,000 students in the province. In 2024 alone, livelihood support reached 18,000 students and 9,000 pandemic-hit households.

The event also recalled China’s past contributions, including $6 million in post-cyclone aid in 2018, fire assistance in 2024, and COVID-19 support such as handwashing stations, food supplies, and quarantine facilities.

Marking 70 years of Nepal-China diplomatic ties, officials said the projects symbolise enduring friendship and cooperation. Pokhrel called the education project an investment in the future, while Mandal said the improved birthing facilities would greatly benefit maternal and child health in the province.