Prem Nagar, Nepal: A School Reborn

In Prem Nagar, Nepal, education was once at risk.

At Shree Shivashakti Basic School, classrooms were unsafe and deteriorating. Learning was limited. Children were vulnerable. The future of the school—and the community—hung in the balance.

Today, that same school is one of the highest-performing public schools in the region.

Prem Nagar’s transformation is why the community was nominated for buildOn’s 2025 Stanley Eisenberg Ignition Award, which recognizes partner communities driving lasting change through collective leadership and education.

A Turning Point for Education in Prem Nagar

The shift began in 2021, when a local government engineer, moved by the school’s condition, connected Prem Nagar with buildOn. That introduction sparked a partnership rooted in shared responsibility.

Strong coordination between Principal Sapkota, Sub-engineer Joshi, and the local mayor ensured that construction stayed on track and aligned with community priorities.

With community leadership at the center, buildOn supported the construction of safe, durable classrooms. This project restored trust in public education and opened the door to long-term progress.

Enrollment Grows 5X

The impact was immediate.

Before construction, Shree Shivashakti Basic School served 105 students in Grades 1 through 6. After the new classrooms were completed, the school expanded to Grade 8, and enrollment surged to 521 students, a fivefold increase that revitalized education across Prem Nagar.

The results attracted further investment. The local government constructed an additional two-story, four-classroom building, with another two-room block currently underway. buildOn’s initial partnership helped catalyze sustained public support for the school. That’s what we call the ignition effect.

Reaching Students Who Were Left Behind

Infrastructure alone was not enough.

Through buildOn’s Enroll Program, 30 students who had dropped out or fallen behind were identified and supported through catch-up classes. Every one of them successfully returned to school, securing brighter, more successful futures.

Adult Literacy Strengthens the Whole Community

Education in Prem Nagar extends beyond just children.

We launched our Adult Literacy Program in the village, enrolling 25 adults, many of whom had never attended school. Participants gained reading, writing, and numeracy skills that translated directly into confidence and economic opportunity.

Fourteen participants formed a savings group, collectively saving nearly $491 USD and launching small income-generating projects. Vocational training followed, including mushroom farming, which produced more than 150 kilograms in the first year, supported household incomes, and contributed to the school’s nutrition program.

When buildOn’s direct support ended, the community sustained the effort independently. Today, vocational skills are integrated into the school curriculum, preparing students for the future.

Advancing Gender Equity Through Education

The impact on women in the community has been especially powerful.

Adult Literacy participants gained financial literacy, leadership skills, and new roles in the community. Pushpa Tharu opened her own shop. Suntali Sunar became a school office assistant. Their stories show how women’s education strengthens families and fuels community-wide progress.

Why Prem Nagar Matters

What began as a school on the brink of collapse is now recognized as one of Kohalpur Municipality’s “Ideal Schools” and honored as the Best Ideal School in Lumbini Province. Public education in Prem Nagar now rivals private institutions—driven by local leadership, shared ownership, and sustained investment.

Prem Nagar’s journey shows what is possible when communities lead and education comes first.

If you want to power transformation in communities like Prem Nagar, consider making a tax-deductible donation today.