Rasuwa, Nepal - July 7, 2025
In a powerful gesture to celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal and the People's Republic of China, a historic school in Nepal's northern Himalayan district of Rasuwa is being transformed with a state-of-the-art infrastructure fully funded and supported by the Chinese government.
Neelkantha Model Secondary School, located in Kalika Rural Municipality–5, Jibjibe, is set to receive a modern four-storey facility as part of China’s commitment to building ten model schools in Nepal’s border districts. The project is being executed by China Jiangsu International Economic and Technical Cooperation Group, which reported that nearly 50 percent of the construction has already been completed.
The estimated cost of the project is NPR 840 million (approximately USD 6.3 million), and the Chinese government is covering the entire financial and technical expenses. According to Ma Yuhang, the company’s country director, the construction has benefited greatly from the cooperation of local authorities and community members. With 18 Chinese engineers and more than 100 Nepali laborers working in three shifts around the clock, the project is on track for early completion — possibly ahead of the planned two-year schedule.
“To ensure the highest construction quality, Chinese-made materials like cement and steel rods are being used. Local materials have been utilized for smaller requirements,” Ma stated. “The structure of the four-storey building has already been completed within the first six months.”
The foundation stone was laid by Rasuwa’s Member of Parliament, Mohan Acharya. Local officials, including Kalika Rural Municipality Ward No. 5 Chair and school management committee head, Sandeep Paudel, confirmed that the municipality has provided essential support such as housing for Chinese workers, access roads, electricity, water, and material storage.
“This project symbolizes the deep and growing friendship between Nepal and China,” said Narayan Prasad Devkota, principal of Neelkantha Model Secondary School. “The new building will not only improve the educational infrastructure but also end the long-standing hardship students faced studying in temporary shelters since the 2015 Gorkha Earthquake.”
The upcoming facility will include spacious classrooms, science and computer laboratories, libraries, clean restrooms, and furniture designed in a Chinese architectural style. Community members express high hopes that this investment will significantly enhance the quality of education in the region.
“This project is a milestone — not just in terms of infrastructure but also in strengthening bilateral cooperation and empowering Himalayan communities through education,” added Paudel.
As construction continues with unwavering momentum, the school is expected to become a shining example of cross-border collaboration and a beacon of educational hope for generations to come.
