Flood impact assessment on education of children and coping mechanism in Rajapur municipality, Bardiya district

Rajapur Municipality of Bardiya district is one of the major flood prone areas of Nepal. The Municipality is situated in between the two arms of the Karnali River and has a long history of flooding. The seasonal and unseasonal floods in Karnali and Geruwa river makes the community highly vulnerable. One of the major impact of floods can be observed in education sector so, this study highlights the impact of flood on education of children of Rajapur Municipality. Flood has cause significant impact on education quality and the learning environment of students. This study observed the impact of flood particularly in 23 schools (16 government and 7 non-government) within Rajapur municipality. Among 10 wards of Rajapur municipality this study includes ward no. 1, 3, 4 ,7 and 10. In ward no. 3, there is a concerning trend of high rates of male and female student repeaters after the flood which has led to a decline in academic performance over the last five years, emphasizing the urgent need for interventions and support systems to address this educational challenge. Simultaneously, ward no. 4 faces a distinct issue with the highest dropout rates after flood among both male and female students. From FGD and KII, economic crises after flood within families, household responsibilities and disinterest in subjects contribute significantly to this trend. The coping strategies employed, relocating furniture and securing school items during the rainy season have been practiced. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaced approach, integrating infrastructure upgrades, educational support programs and community engagement. The creation of tailored interventions, considering the specific needs of each ward and school building, is crucial for revitalizing the educational landscape post-floods and ensuring sustained academic growth for the children in Rajapur Municipality.