In a heartfelt response to the devastating floods caused by the Bhotekoshi disaster, schoolchildren throughout Nepal are contributing their snack and pocket money to assist those affected. Reports indicate that these donations are being directed to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund and the Prime Minister’s Natural Disaster Relief Fund. As images of destruction, such as homes being washed away and families being torn apart, circulate on television, students from various regions have chosen to make a meaningful impact.

From Achham and Kapilvastu to Rautahat and Kathmandu, students have donated amounts ranging from NPR 5 to NPR 500, with some opting to forego their usual snacks for a day. At Shodasha Secondary School in Mangalsen Municipality-5, ninth-grade student Yunik KC initiated the collection of funds after feeling compelled to support those impacted by the floods. The school’s child club, consisting of approximately 1,500 students, gathered on Monday to discuss a retirement event for a head teacher when Yunik proposed this charitable act.

During the gathering, he remarked, “Even if we did not have much money, we could still do something.” Classmates enthusiastically participated, visiting every classroom to solicit voluntary contributions. Student Laxmi Shahi noted that some students sacrificed their snack money to aid affected peers. The sentiment was echoed by students who had experienced loss themselves, with seven friends who had lost parents also contributing.

Significant Contributions from Individuals and Schools

On the first day of collection, Shodasha Secondary School raised NPR 8,785, followed by an additional NPR 5,470 on the second day, bringing the total to NPR 14,255. Teacher Dhan Kumar KC confirmed the funds were deposited into the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund via Rastriya Banijya Bank on Wednesday. He emphasised that every contribution, regardless of size, holds significance, stating that the initiative was driven primarily by the students.

At Pragatisheel Basic School, students also donated funds designated for a day’s snacks, amassing NPR 585 for the relief fund. Similarly, nine-year-old Somya Upadhyay from Rastriya Janahit Secondary School in Dharmanpaniya requested additional money from her parents to donate. She contributed NPR 50, while seven-year-old Radhika Kohar donated NPR 30. Both girls refrained from their snacks in order to assist those in need.

Somya and Radhika’s class contributed a total of NPR 10,050, which was later deposited into the Prime Minister’s Natural Disaster Relief Fund, illustrating the collective effort in their school of over 200 contributors out of 350 students. The headmaster, Raj Kumar Kohar, commended the students for their initiative in creating a donation box and seeking contributions from classmates.

Widespread Impact of the Bhotekoshi Floods

The floods originating from the Bhotekoshi region have caused widespread devastation, particularly affecting significant portions of Rasuwa and surrounding districts. Schools in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading have suffered extensive damage, with classrooms left inundated with mud and debris. The crisis was triggered by an ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border on August 26, resulting in significant destruction to numerous towns and villages. The death toll has reportedly surpassed 1,250, with more than 4,800 individuals still unaccounted for as of Thursday.

As of Wednesday afternoon, approximately NPR 7.77 billion had been raised for the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund, and around USD 6 million had been contributed to the government’s foreign currency account. While these sums reflect the broader generosity of the populace, the contributions from children across Nepal demonstrate a grassroots commitment to helping those who have lost homes, families, and educational opportunities in the aftermath of this catastrophe.

These efforts highlight the ability of young individuals to empathise with the suffering of others, even when they themselves are not in proximity to the affected areas. The organised contributions by students underscore a collective spirit of support amid challenging circumstances, as they strive to assist their peers facing significant hardships.

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