Acting mayor Dangol urges schools to provide residential education for children in holding centres

KATHMANDU: Acting Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Sunita Dangol, has urged private and institutional schools to support children currently living in holding centres by providing residential education facilities.

Dangol held discussions with representatives of Private and Boarding Schools’ Organization Nepal (PABSON) and National Private and Boarding Schools’ Association Nepal (NPABSON) at the Rashtriya Sabha Griha on Sunday.

The discussion focused on arranging free, regular education with residential facilities for children currently staying at the holding centre operated at Radhaswami Satsang Byas Ashram in Kirtipur, where families displaced from informal riverbank settlements have been temporarily relocated.

“We expect support from private and institutional schools that can provide residential facilities to ensure these children continue their education,” Dangol said during the meeting. “This is a time to act beyond questions and work together in the best interest of the children.”

She also appealed for cooperation from schools on the grounds of corporate social responsibility and humanitarian support.

Representatives from both PABSON and NPABSON said the initiative has made them more aware of their responsibilities and indicated willingness to discuss the proposal internally.

Officials said both organizations will hold meetings and inform the metropolitan city about how they plan to contribute to the initiative.