Sabin Bharati, ECCA Counselor

When visiting Maskharka village in Dhading’s Benighat Rorang Rural Municipality, I gained a deeper understanding of rural life and its challenges. The village appeared somewhat developed due to nearby cement factory and stone quarry, and frequent vehicle traffic, with manageable road access in the dry season. However, landslides and slippery paths during the rainy season makes travel dangerous, even for local people.

During my visit to Panchakanya Basic School in Maskharka village, I observed significant development challenges, particularly in the lack of school's basic facilities like water, proper toilets, and adequate classrooms. The school’s poor condition, with only three rooms, broken doors and windows, a dirty carpet, barely usable whiteboards, and a leaking GI roof severely disrupted learning, especially during the rainy season. The absence of water impacted students’ health and dignity, as many arrived unbathed, in dirty clothes, and without access to drinking water or handwashing facilities, leaving a profound emotional impact.

In the Maskharka village, the lack of a reliable water supply forced families to walk hours daily to fetch water, while the animals used unsafe sources, and open defecation due to non-functional toilets posed significant health risks. At the Panchakanya Basic School, an elderly helper struggled to carry limited water buckets, prompting a solution where each student brought a bottle of water from home daily. During the children training camp recently conducted by ECCA, every student brought water from home, ECCA provided a water filter to the school, and ECCA facilitators taught the children how to use the water filter ensuring safe drinking water, marking a significant step forward.

The next morning, I arrived at the school to find something beautiful. The students had come early. Before even going to their classrooms, they lined up with their water bottles and carefully poured water into the filter, just as they had been taught. Watching those young children take such initiative, understanding the importance of clean water, and acting with responsibility and care, it filled me with deep pride and hope.

What started as a modest idea evolved into a compelling testament to dedication, collaboration, and the power of team-driven transformation. The children of Maskharka transcended mere participation, emerging as leaders who tackled a critical challenge with ingenuity and resolve. Their journey underscores a profound truth: even the smallest collective effort, fuelled by unity and commitment, can spark significant and enduring change. Let their example inspire us all, proving that true transformation often begins with a single, unified step.