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Newsletter
Learning to Build Earthquake-Resistant Schools: A Model for Resilient School Infrastructure in Sudurpashchim Province
GeoHazards International (GHI) invested in local masons’ capacity to build earthquake-resistant schools that protect children, and to similarly construct other buildings. GHI worked with local officials and partner National Society for Earthquake Technology (NSET) Nepal to train local masons on earthquake-resistant building techniques, who then went on to construct an earthquake resilient school in Godawari Municipality, Kailali.
New two-story, four-room earthquake-resistant school building constructed by trained masons under the GeoHazards International-led project (left) and official inauguration of the school building by the Mayor of Godawari municipality (right). The school construction served as a demonstration building in the community.
A 2020 Rapid Visual Assessment (RVA) of school buildings in Amargadhi Municipality and prior investigations for earthquake scenarios identified the urgent need to replace vulnerable school buildings with earthquake-resistant structures. This school serves as a model for resilient infrastructure in a seismically active region.
Strategically built in a high-risk zone, the school incorporates enhanced structural reinforcements to protect occupants during earthquakes. Designed to accommodate 180 students, it provides continued access to education while prioritizing disaster resilience. The school building was officially handed over to the school management on 17 January 2024, aligning with the 26th National Earthquake Safety Day.
Masons trained by GeoHazards International and NSET who were actively involved in constructing the earthquake-resilient school buildings. They are dedicated to building earthquake-resistant structures and continuously working towards making new constructions safer.
Beyond serving educational purposes, this initiative plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable earthquake-resistant construction across remote Nepal. GHI with technical partner NSET trained 27 local masons (21 men, 6 women) in Godawari Municipality through a seven-day program, equipping them with skills to build safer structures in their communities. Training women masons supports sustainable capacity development, because in this part of Nepal, trained women are more likely to work in their home community rather than seeking higher-paying work elsewhere.
A key component of this initiative was the active engagement of local community members throughout the construction process, which fostered awareness of earthquake-resistant techniques, empowering local builders and engineers to replicate these practices. Through this initiative, GHI is not only safeguarding the future of young learners but also strengthening community resilience, ensuring a safer and more prepared society in the face of future earthquakes.