In the heart of Lumbini Cultural Municipality, Nepal, six new prefabricated classrooms now stand on the second floor of Jamiah Faizul Islam Al-Salafiyah School. These classrooms, constructed with insulated cement boards and equipped with lighting and fans, offer a comfortable and conducive learning environment for students, overlooking lush green rice fields. The recent handover ceremony marked a significant milestone, not only for the school but also as the fulfillment of a late mayor's vision for his community.
A New Chapter for Students
On the morning of October 10, the school held a ceremony to officially receive the new classrooms. Samsul Huda, the school principal, expressed profound gratitude as he and the teachers unlocked the doors to the new spaces. "The entire village benefits from this," Principal Huda stated, "Even though our religions are different, humanity needs mutual assistance for society to be harmonious. The teachings of Islam emphasize respect for different religions." He also noted the innovative design of the classrooms:
The six prefabricated classrooms built by Tzu Chi are a new design, a model for the entire village. Many people passing by are curious and ask me, 'It turns out you can build houses without bricks!' The villagers are all amazed. —Principal Huda
Abdul Quyaum, the Parent-Teacher Association Chairman, shared the immediate impact: "Starting next week, we can move the classes from the basement to the second floor." The school, which serves 1,200 students, previously struggled with insufficient classrooms, forcing many children to study in corridors. The new facilities mean students now have dedicated spaces, fostering a greater appreciation for their education.
LEFT: The prefabricated classrooms have windows to provide good ventilation and a pleasant view of the green rice fields. RIGHT: Chairman of the Parent-Teacher Association, Abdul Quyaum (right), opens a classroom with a key, stating, "Starting next week, we can move the classes from the basement to the second floor." | Photos: Ramesh
Malaysian Tzu Chi volunteer Choo Lay Hong (朱麗鳳) observed the thoughtful design, noting that due to Quranic regulations, the classrooms are divided for boys and girls. The smooth cement floors allow students to sit comfortably on carpets while reciting the Quran.
Dedication Through Challenges
The construction of these six classrooms was a testament to the dedication of the eight-member construction team, who completed the project in 38 working days. Tan Lye Soon (陳來順), a Malaysian Tzu Chi volunteer leading the project, humbly explained that while cement boards are available locally, they are not typically used for building houses. The team prefabricated the wall panels at the Tzu Chi community center and then transported them to the school for assembly. Despite facing challenges like the rainy season, which halted welding work, and temperatures soaring to 42 degrees Celsius, the team persevered, prioritizing the students' need for classrooms.
LEFT: Principal Samsul Huda (right) shares how the prefabricated classrooms will serve as a model for the entire village. RIGHT: Due to insufficient classrooms at Jamiah Faizul Islam Al-Salafiyah School, some students previously had to attend classes in corridors or passageways. | Photos: Ramesh
Fulfilling a Mayor's Dream
The ceremony was particularly poignant for Imtiyaz Khan, Chairman of the Lumbini Adarsha Community Learning Center and son of the late Sajaruddin Musalman, the former Mayor of Lumbini Cultural Municipality. Touching his chest, Imtiyaz Khan expressed his deep emotion:
This school classroom project was initiated by my father. He passed away on August 30, and I am here today to witness his dream come true. It is very touching.
LEFT: Students eagerly await the handover and opening of their new classrooms. | Photo: Ramesh RIGHT: The eight-member construction team completed the six prefabricated classrooms in 38 working days. | Photo: Amarkesh
Rakesh Tripathi (Rocky), a Tzu Chi volunteer who accompanied Mayor Musalman and his son on a visit to Tzu Chi facilities in Singapore and Malaysia in August, recounted the mayor's profound impression. "It was an eye-opener!" Rocky said. "We visited the Jing Si Hall, Kuala Lumpur Tzu Chi International School, a free clinic, and recycling stations. The day after we returned, on August 30, the mayor woke up and shared his experience with his family. Tragically, he suffered a heart attack at 8:30 AM and passed away at 9 AM."
Rocky shared the mayor's aspirations: "The mayor told me he couldn't imagine a school could be so beautiful, even more beautiful than a hotel. He meticulously toured the kitchens, restrooms, and playgrounds, hoping to plant more greenery to beautify the campus. His lifelong dream was to develop Lumbini Cultural Municipality to be like Tzu Chi. The handover of these six classrooms is his last wish, and today, Tzu Chi has fulfilled it."
LEFT: The eight-member construction team completed the six prefabricated classrooms in 38 working days. | Photo: Amarkesh RIGHT: Imtiyaz Khan (second right), son of the former mayor, presents a Hada to a Tzu Chi volunteer to express gratitude on behalf of his father. | Photo: Ramesh
The completion of these classrooms not only provides a much-needed learning space for the students of Jamiah Faizul Islam Al-Salafiyah School but also stands as a testament to cross-cultural cooperation and the enduring power of a community's shared vision for a brighter future.
Written by Jennifer Pai (白如璐)
Source: 移交六間簡易教室 完成藍毘尼市長遺願
