The National Society for Earthquake Technology-Nepal (NSET-Nepal) is beginning to retrofit 18 public schools. The move aims at making the buildings quake-resistant and also raising awareness among school-goers about safety measures. NSET-Nepal began the School Earthquake Safety Programme in 1998 by retrofitting one school in Nakhal, Bhaktapur. The NSET provides technical support for reinforcing the buildings, while communities contribute funds for the construction. Four public schools in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur have already been reinforced.

"We're attempting to educate communities on how small protective measures today can mitigate death and injury when a major earthquake occurs," says Amod Dixit, General Secretary, NSET. "We chose schools because this is one way to make future generations aware of quake-safety measures. Children who understand what is happening in the schools can better communicate to their parents the need to take precautionary measures at home, says NSET. "The other reason for selecting schools is because communities are more interested in matters relating to schools than any other social institution."

A vulnerability assessment of 800 public schools by NSET-Nepal in 1998 revealed alarming facts: 15 percent of the buildings were on the verge of collapse. Another 25 percent could be saved with some fixtures and the remaining 55 percent were good under "normal circumstances", but could crumble if jolted by even a mild quake. NSET-Nepal next plans to undertake school-reinforcement programs in Dharan in east Nepal and Pokhara before heading out to look after public schools in all 58 municipalities.