Background:

KLWT has been working in Bhunja valley, Union Council Kawai, Tehsil Balakot, District Mansehra - NWFP in the aftermath of the October 2005 earthquake and provided relief goods (food, clothing and shelter) and medical aid (medicines and medical camps). This immediate response for the earthquake affectees produced a healthy environment, trust and working relationship with the local communities. With the mutual consent of KLWT trustees and local community elders it was decided to work especially in education and health sector.

KLWT initiated the rehabilitation work in May 2006 by the establishment of transitional schools which were completely destroyed by the earthquake. KLWT signed an MoU with Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA) for establishment and reconstruction of the following Schools.

* Government Girls Primary School – Bhunja

* Government High School – Bhunja

* Government Boys Primary School - Bhunja

The schools were initially started in tents and Marquees. KLWT also provided education material and support to all schools. The Schools are still operating in tents

Government Girls Primary School – Bhunja

The construction of GGPS – Bhunja was started in July 2007 with an expected date of completion in March 2008. The construction of school took much time due to natural constrain (Heavy rains, Land sliding, snowfall) and communication problems (roads & transportation). Now the school is almost complete and KLWT will inaugurate the school in July 2008.

Government High School – Bhunja

KLWT started the Construction of GHS – Bhunja from March 2008. The high school building consisting of 05 Class rooms, designed to accommodate 200 students (class six to class ten), a science laboratory, library, head teacher office, staff room, admin office and teachers accommodation with basic water and sanitation facilities for staff and students.

The work started with the clearance of rubble and leveling the site for GHS. The ground breaking of the GHS – Bhunja by the KLWT Program Director was take place on 1st April 2008. The workers started digging the foundation according to layout and design of the school building.

The masonry work was started by construction of the stone foundations, which ends up a concrete plinth beam for the base of whole school building. In the foundations steel, crush, sand and cement was used for strong construction.

Wooden shuttering was prepared for walls and masons filled it with strong concrete materials. To strengthen the building steel rods were used in each corner of the room and pillars.

More construction work is in progress at GHS – Bhunja.