In September of last year, heavy torrential rain swept through the Mahalaxmi
area of Lalitpur in Bagmati Province, Nepal. Among the many places affected
was Shree Gamvir Samudra Setu Secondary School, which has
more than 1,500 students ranging from kindergarten to high school.
The floodwaters rose to the knees of adults, damaging most of the first floor.

The schoolyard and classrooms were covered in mud,
and hardly any desks or chairs were left intact.

The school mobilized heavy equipment to clear the mud from the playground,
and teachers and students swept and washed the classroom floors
themselves to restore the school. They also tried to repair other facilities and
repeatedly requested support from the local government, but no help came.

Upon hearing about the school’s distressing situation, WeLoveU
met with the school principal to discuss flood recovery support.
The principal’s main request was help with a water purification system,
as the existing one was broken and the students couldn’t drink water at school.

Broken purification system and contaminated tap water

Impact of Flood Damage
on Children’s Health and Education

UNICEF reported that in 2023, due to extreme weather events
such as heatwaves, cyclones, and floods, more than 242 million children
in 85 countries were unable to receive proper education.
It also warned that “repeated flooding hinders children’s growth
by increasing the risk of underweight and destroying sanitation infrastructure,
which raises the likelihood of waterborne disease outbreaks.

The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA Pediatrics) also reported
that a large number of children under five in low-and middle-income countries
affected by floods were exposed to waterborne diseases such as diarrhea,
and emphasized the importance of securing safe water and sanitation.

Sanitation

Hygiene conditions worsened due to the breakdown of the purification system and contamination of drinking water.

Health

Higher risk of illness such as stomachaches and diarrhea.

Education

Increased absences due to illness and decreased concentration in class.

To help students study without worrying about water,
WeLoveU immediately supported the school by providing
a water purification system and drinking fountains.

Water Purification System and Drinking Fountain Installation

(Fixed and Portable Types)

🛠 Installation Period

April 20–May 23

🎉 Donation Ceremony

May 26

Children gathered around the newly installed drinking fountains
and smiled brightly as they drank clean water.

Shouting “We Love You,” they expressed their thanks
for giving them access to safe drinking water.

Mahalaxmi Municipality and the school stated that the clean water greatly
improved the health and quality of education for both teachers and students,
and presented WeLoveU with over ten awards,
certificates of appreciation, and plaques of gratitude.

Impact of Providing Water Purification and Drinking Fountains

Teachers noted a significant improvement in students’ health and attendance
after the installation, and said WeLoveU made a major contribution
to enhancing hygiene and the educational environment.

“The school was in a very difficult situation after being flooded by heavy rain. At that time, WeLoveU came to visit and asked what kind of help was needed. In fact, although other organizations had visited before, none of them provided support. We had long suffered from a lack of drinking water, and both students and teachers were struggling. But WeLoveU quickly inspected the facilities and completed the water purification system within a month. We are truly grateful and hope this warm relationship continues.”

Nira Kumari Shrestha, Principal, Shree Gamvir Samudra Setu Secondary School

“We had many difficulties without a water system. We had to bring water from home or drink water purchased by the school, but it wasn’t clean, and both teachers and students often became ill. After the flood, the pipes broke, and muddy water made things worse. The water provided by WeLoveU is clear, clean, and tastes good. Everyone at the school is truly happy.”

Samani Paudel, Teacher

“On hot days, no one liked carrying heavy water bottles, so some students even fainted from dehydration. Now, thanks to WeLoveU, we can always drink clean water at school, and it gives us peace of mind.”

Sneha Sharma, Student

“Thank you for installing a water purification system so that we can drink clean water. Thanks to it, students and teachers can drink safe water and prevent waterborne diseases.”

Hari Govinda Shrestha, Mayor of Mahalaxmi

“The school’s water pipes were damaged in the flood, so we had to bring water from home. Now we don’t need to carry heavy water bottles, and we can drink anytime even in the hot, dry weather. Thank you.”

Sohan Bhujel, Student

“Sincere thanks to Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah for providing a water purification system to Shree Gamvir Samudra Setu School. We hope support continues in the Mahalaxmi region.”

Laxmi Maharjan, Vice Mayor of Mahalaxmi

“We feel great relief thanks to WeLoveU’s support. After the flood destroyed the purification system, students couldn’t drink clean water. We hope this wonderful work continues.”

Kedar Kumar K.C., Chairman, CMC-School Management Committee

We hope that the students of Shree Gamvir Samudra Setu Secondary School
continue to drink clean water and enjoy a healthy school life.

By providing water purification systems and drinking fountains, WeLoveU
ensures that children can enjoy the basic rights they deserve at school.
We will continue to create a safe and healthy educational environment,
so that children can study in peace no matter the circumstances.