Bakaiya RM-12, Simat, Makwanpur District, Nepal – A momentous occasion unfolded on 25 March 2025, as a new 90-metre bridge was officially opened in the remote village of Bakaiya-12, Simat, Makwanpur District. The bridge, which spans a fast-flowing river that previously isolated the community and disrupted access to education, will now provide year-round safe passage for students and vital connectivity for 51 households in the area.
The bridge project was brought to life through the collaborative efforts of Child Rescue Nepal, its local partner Esther Benjamin Memorial Foundation (EBMF), and the local community. With a total cost of NPR 4.8 million, the initiative was largely funded by generous donations from Child Rescue Nepal supporters, who raised NPR 4 million in just two weeks as part of the organization’s 25th anniversary celebrations. The remaining NPR 800,000 was contributed by the local community, which also donated land for the project.
For years, the river posed a formidable challenge for students and teachers at Kala Bhairav Primary School, particularly during the monsoon season when the river became impassable. Teachers often carried children across the river to ensure they could attend school, with one viral image of a teacher carrying a child drawing widespread attention to the urgent need for a solution.
With the new bridge in place, students now have safe access to education throughout the year, and the community is better connected for trade, travel, and general mobility.
Buddha Lama, Project Manager at the Esther Benjamin Memorial Foundation (EBMF), shared:
“This bridge is a game-changer for the people of Bakaiya RM-12, Simat whose children are studying at Kala Bhairav Primary School. It not only ensures the safety of children traveling to school but also strengthens the entire community by offering a reliable and safe connection. We are incredibly proud to have worked alongside Child Rescue Nepal and the local community to bring this vision to life.”
Chet Bahadur Ghale, Head teacher of Kala Bhairav Primary School, expressed:
“This bridge is a blessing for our students and teachers. We no longer have to fear the dangers of the river during the monsoon season. Education is the foundation for a brighter future, and now our children can access it safely, no matter the time of year.”
The bridge’s opening ceremony was attended by local government officials, community leaders, and representatives from Child Rescue Nepal and EBMF, celebrating the power of collaboration and the positive impact the project will have on the local community.
Uma Timalsina Marahattha, Acting Chair of Esther Benjamin Memorial Foundation, stated:
“As the Vice Chair of the Esther Benjamin Memorial Foundation, I am incredibly proud of the successful completion of this bridge project in Bakaiya RM-12, Makwanpur District. This bridge represents much more than just an infrastructure development—it is a vital lifeline that will change the lives of the people in this community. It is inspiring to see how the collaboration between different sectors—community members, local government, and generous donors—has come together to transform lives. This bridge is not only a symbol of progress but a beacon of hope for the future of Kala Bhairav’s children and the entire community.”
Joanna Bega, Chief Executive Officer of Child Rescue Nepal, remarked:
“We are absolutely thrilled to see this project come to fruition. This bridge is not just a structure; it’s a lifeline that will provide long-term benefits for the community. It’s a testament to the incredible things that can be achieved when communities, local organizations, and supporters come together.”
The new bridge stands as a symbol of hope, progress, and resilience for the people of Kala, ensuring uninterrupted access to education for children and fostering greater connectivity for the entire community.
Local news covered: –
For more information about the project or to arrange interviews, please contact:
Media Contact:
Buddha Lama
District Program Manager
Esther Benjamin Memorial Foundation (EBMF)
buddha@ebmfnepal.org
9855049039
