Though the Ministry of Education has decided to reopen schools from May 31, officials said schools which consider their buildings are not in the condition to resume classes can decide on their own.

“The schools should reopen from May 31 at any cost, but if any school decides not to resume classes from the said date because of weak structures or any other solid reason, it can reopen at a date that it deems convenient, as safety of students is the priority,” said Dilli Ram Rimal, Director General at the Department of Education. Rimal said the schools in first few weeks must engage students in recreational activities rather than in curricula.

According to Rimal, the government had to fix a date to reopen schools as many might not resume classes if it is not made mandatory. Many schools in some districts which are not affected by the earthquake too have remained closed, he added.

“In the first few weeks, students will be given psychosocial counselling,” he said Rimal, adding, “Rather than starting curricular activities, teachers will engage students in recreational activities.”

Currently, MoE has been organising psychosocial counselling for school teachers through National Centre for Educational Development. Similarly, Nepal Teachers Federation has been providing psychosocial counselling training for teachers.

Various NGOs and INGOs have also been providing such trainings to relieve students from trauma.

According to the data updated by DoE on May 19, a total of 7,532 schools in 45 districts, including three districts in the Kathmandu Valley, have been affected by the earthquake.

Likewise, 18,433 classrooms have been fully damaged, 7,561 classrooms have suffered major damage and 14,512 classrooms have suffered minor damage. A total of 30 teachers and 377 students lost their lives to the earthquake and subsequent aftershocks.

source: the himalayan times,21 may 2015