Government High School – Bhunja, Inauguration Ceremony Report

Background:

Khanbahadur Lallbibi Welfare Trust (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, 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 MoU with Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA) for the establishment and reconstruction of the following Schools.

* Government Girls Primary School – Bhunja

* Government High School – Bhunja

The schools were initially started in tents and Marquees. KLWT provided education materials and support to all schools. On 30th August, 2008 KLWT inaugurated the Girls Primary school after completion.

Government High School – Bhunja

With the mutual consent of local community elders and KLWT the construction of GHS – Bhunja was started in March 2008. After the completion, KLWT inaugurated the school on Saturday 15th August, 2009 and now the school is fully operational.

The ceremony was started with the recitation from holly Quraan and Naat e rasool e maqbool (SAW). Mr. Waqar Ayub, Commissioner Hazara Division - NWFP formally inaugurated the school by ribbon cutting and raising of Pakistan flag.

After that the students of GGPS – Bhunja presented the National anthem. Mr. Jamil Yousuf and Dr. Ayaz Khan, Program Director KLWT raised the high school flags in the ceremony.

The Head Teacher of the Government High School welcomes the guests and highlighted different aspects of the educational activities resumed by the KLWT and school staff after the October 2005, earthquake.

Elders from the Local Community highlighted their local problems which they are facing after the earthquake and requested the Government to resolve their basic problems.

KLWT Program Director Dr. Ayaz Khan presented the project context to the participants.

The Chief guest Mr. Waqar Ayub, Commissioner Hazara Division – NWFP also share his views and directed the officials to take necessary actions on priority basis for the development of the Bhunja Valley. Executive District Officer (Schools & Literacy), Government officials, Teachers, students and the local community members also participated in the inauguration ceremony of the Government High School – Bhunja.

The Ceremony ends up with prayers for better future and prosperity. The Chief guest, Officials and guests visited the school. After that lunch was served to the guests.

All the expenses incurred on the inauguration ceremony were paid from private resources (Externally from the Trust funds).