The JICA Nepal Office, in collaboration with the Central Level Project Implementation Unit (CLPIU) of the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology (MoEST), organized a painting contest aimed at fostering a conducive learning environment for school students. The contest involved 274 schools reconstructed by the Emergency School Reconstruction Project (ESRP) and focused on the theme “My New School: My Pride.”
According to JICA Nepal, 120 schools participated in the contest, involving over 1000 students from both basic and secondary levels. The final artworks were evaluated by professional artists, the Project Director of CLPIU, and the Chief Representative of JICA Nepal.
An official ceremony was held in Kathmandu to honor the winners from each category, with prizes and certificates awarded by key officials including OKUBO Akimitsu, Chief Representative of JICA Nepal, Pramila Devi Shakya Bajracharya, Secretary of MoEST, and Ana Prasad Neupane, Project Director of CLPIU. The winners also had the opportunity to visit notable sites in Kathmandu as part of their excursion.
During the event, Secretary Bajracharya highlighted the significance of such opportunities for students and encouraged them to pursue their passions. The Chief Representative of JICA Nepal emphasized the role of such competitions in promoting talent and skills beyond academics.
Following the devastating earthquake of April 2015, JICA initiated the Emergency School Reconstruction Project to rebuild damaged schools, aiming to improve the quality of education. A total of 274 schools were reconstructed across various districts, adhering to earthquake-resistant design guidelines and the principle of “Build Back Better.” The project was completed in April 2023 under the supervision of CLPIU/MoEST.
