How a hero principal who saved hundreds of pupils from the Nepal floods is rebuilding broken lives

Rajendra Dawadi, principal of Tribhuvan Trishuli Secondary School in Nuwakot, Nepal, saved the lives of 900 children during the devastating flash floods that struck the region on August 26. The school, located in one of the hardest-hit areas, was inundated with water, prompting Dawadi to set up tents and the shaded sections of a local sports academy to continue classes.

Despite the challenges, more than 95% of the students returned, eager to resume their education. In an interview with The National, Dawadi expressed his happiness as the children returned to school and highlighted the importance of providing a sense of normalcy to the families who lost their homes and livelihoods in the disaster.

Dawadi, who was hailed as a hero for his quick actions, estimates that it could take at least two years to rebuild the school, which suffered severe damage. The UN has called for urgent funding to aid the recovery efforts. Dawadi's school now serves as a place for counseling, music classes, and fostering a supportive environment for the affected students.

With 1,621 pupils attending classes in tents and shared benches and desks, the school requires additional resources such as a library, science labs, and transportation. Many parents have sent their children to this free government institution, as they sought normalcy and education for their children amidst the trauma of the floods.