REACH for Nepal Foundation (RFN) provides aid in Gandaki Province of Western Nepal – delivering both infrastructure developments and humanitarian aid projects. In 2023, RFN started building Earthquake Resilient Classrooms (ERC’s) in Nepal. The ERC design won a category in the recent Good Design Awards in Australia. These classrooms are not only safer for the children but also are built to last for generations.

Clay Mason Stephens and James Tatham are teaming up with RFN to fundraise & build an Earthquake Resilient Classroom in Western Nepal. 

Clay Mason Stephens is an Australian Men’s Gymnast and is committed to the pursuit of consistent mental and physical challenges in all areas of life to promote health and wellbeing. Using his adventurous trip in Nepal; completing the Three Passes trek as well as summiting two of the Himalayas 6,000m mountains, he is committed to servicing and supporting the communities that make personal and professional development adventures like this possible. He aims to help deliver HOPE to the communities of Western Nepal by spearheading this fundraiser alongside James to build an Earthquake Resilient Classroom in the remote village of Dhital.

James Tatham is an experienced sports professional, adventurer, and founder of Trekking4Nepal. After narrowly avoiding the devastation of the 2015 earthquakes, Nepal became more than a destination; it became a lifelong commitment. James has returned to Nepal multiple times, not only to trek its awe inspiring landscapes but also to give back through impactful projects, like building essential school amenities and delivering essential resources in remote communities. The recently completed high altitude adventure with Clay and the earthquake resilient classroom project is the next chapter.

Shree Indreni Basic School, Dhital

Shree Indreni Basic School, established around 35 years ago, serves as the only primary educational institution for the region. The school has students from Nursery to Year 5. Farming & tourism is the primary occupation in the area.

The school currently enrols 41 students, with 60% being girls. Despite its strategic importance, Shree Indreni Basic School faces significant infrastructure challenges. The lack of adequate facilities often forces the school to conduct two classes in a single room, severely hampering the quality of education. The current classroom layout makes it difficult for students to focus and learn effectively.

By supporting this project, we aim to:

• Provide safe and comfortable classrooms for all students.
• Promote a positive message about the community's dedication to education.
• Enhance the overall educational infrastructure in the region.
• Empower future generations with better learning conditions.

Typically, we build infrastructure where the buildings are old and damaged with some classrooms requiring urgent renovation. The devastating earthquake in 2015 highlighted the critical need for reinvestment in safe and resilient school infrastructure.

Here is a link to a YouTube for a classroom that was fundraised and built in another district which gives a good indication of what it will look like. 

By providing improved learning environments, the foundation aims to empower future generations and foster a sense of hope and progress among the villagers. We believe that education is the key to a brighter future, and this project aligns perfectly with our objectives, which is to Rebuild, Educate, Assist, Children/Communities (giving) Hope (REACH) for Nepal.  

All donations to the RFN Foundation fund projects in Nepal with the organisation here in Australia run entirely by volunteers.  You can help this vulnerable community rebuild their classrooms with all donations above $2 being tax deductible.