Where We Work In Nepal
About Nepal
Nepal, or the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is located in South Asia. The country is landlocked, bordering Tibet to the north and India to the south, east and west. Until the 1950s Nepal was politically ‘closed’ to the outside world but since then the country has seen the creation of a multi-party parliamentary system following a decade-long Maoist insurgency and the abolition of its monarchy.
It is one of the poorest countries in the world with one third of its population living below the poverty line. According to the World Bank statistics the GDP per capita in 2017 was $824 ranking Nepal 163 out of 186 countries.
At a Glance
Capital Kathmandu
Population 31 million
Area 147,181 sq km (56,827 sq miles)
Major languages Nepali
Major religions Hinduism, Buddhism
Life expectancy 68 years (male), 71 years (female)
Currency Nepalese rupee
Geography and Economy
Nepal has a diverse geography, including fertile plains and sub-alpine forested hills. It is home to eight of the world’s highest mountains including Mount Everest – known locally as Sagarmatha. Agriculture is the main source of employment representing 76% of the workforce. The service industry employs 18% of the workforce and manufacturing and craft-based industries 6%. Its ten million-strong workforce suffers from a severe shortage of skilled labour.
With spectacular landscapes, and its diverse and exotic cultures, tourism is fast-becoming a growth industry despite the political instability and poor infrastructure. However, Nepal’s biggest foreign income earner is remittances from Nepali citizens working abroad; the most notable being the Gurkha soldiers who serve in the Indian and British Armies. Nepal also receives foreign aid from India, Japan, the US, the EU, China, Switzerland and Scandinavia.
The Nepal Earthquake 2015
On 25 April 2015, an earthquake of magnitude 7.8 (also called the Gorkha earthquake) struck near the capital city of Kathmandu flattening large parts of the capital and causing devastation across the already impoverished nation.
About 9,000 people were killed, many thousands more were injured, and more than 600,000 structures in Kathmandu and neighbouring towns were either damaged or destroyed. Since then, political infighting has delayed much of the reconstruction despite the billions of dollars that have been pledged.
About St Xavier’s Godavari School
History of the School
St Xavier’s School was founded in 1950 by Father Marshal Moran of the Society of Jesus (The Jesuits – an international Catholic Religious Order) following a request by the Government to start a school in Nepal.
On 6 June 1951, Father Moran, together with a team of Jesuit priests, headed 15km outside Kathmandu to Godavari. Here the Government offered them land, a few old buildings and the horse stables to be converted into classrooms and teaching facilities. On 1 July 1951, the first intake of 65 boys were admitted into the School.
The School Today
Today the School remains in Godavari under the management of the Nepal Jesuit Society and has grown considerably over the years. The School is now multi-faith day school educating over 1,200 boys and girls.
At a Glance
Students 1,250 (Girls 561, Boys 689)
Language English and Nepalese
Grades Grades 1 to 12
Teachers 50 plus
Curriculum and Extra Curicular Activities
The School teaches a broad range of subjects in accordance with the educational policies and guidelines of the Jesuit Society and in compliance with the rules and regulations of the Nepalese government. Even though both English and Nepali are taught here, the language of the school is English. The students must ‘speak good/correct English at all times inside the school compound, in the bus and at school bus stops.’
A large emphasis is placed on community and cultural activities such as traditional dancing, art, music and poetry. Physical Education, such as football, athletics and basketball, is encouraged with girls and boys of all ages.
Management of the School
The day-to-day operations of the school are run by the Jesuit community. They are supported by over 50 members of staff.
School Ethos
St Xavier’s School, together with the parents, are dedicated to transforming Nepalese society by developing their students, not just intellectually but physically, emotionally and spiritually, with strong values of truth, justice and equality. The School’s motto is “Live for God, Lead for Nepal”.
St Xavier’s School Godavari
Website: http://www.sxg.edu.np/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stxaviersgodavari
About Moran Memorial School
History of the School
The School Today
At a Glance
Students 463 (223 Boys and 240 Girls)
Language English and Nepalese
Grades Grades 1 to 10
Teachers 28
