——The Journey of a School Bus to Jiri
Neeti Pradhan
Date Published
Estimated Reading Time
5 mins
At the break of dawn on January 12, the team from Calls Over Ridges Nepal (CORN) began a long journey from Kathmandu, sitting inside a school bus that carried much more than passengers, it carried hope.
This bus was on its way to Bauddha Bhuwaneshwary Secondary School in Jiri.
As the bus rolled out of the city and into winding hills, curious eyes followed it along the road. For many, the sight of a new school bus traveling through the hills was unusual, and people paused to watch it pass by.
After nearly six hours of travel, the team entered Jiri Municipality. Word had already spread that a school bus was arriving from Kathmandu. Residents gathered along the roadsides, some smiling, others pointing with curiosity. A group of children ran alongside the bus, excited to see it up close.
But the journey was not over yet.
From Jiri Bazaar, the team continued another one and a half hours uphill to reach Bauddha Bhuwaneshwary Secondary School (top image), the final destination. Along the narrow village roads, parents and students stood at the gates of their homes waiting eagerly for a glimpse of the bus they had been hearing about. As the bus passed, many waved and smiled with visible excitement.
Finally, the bus arrived at the school grounds, where it was parked in preparation for the official handover ceremony the following day.
A Morning Filled with Anticipation
The next morning, the school grounds came alive early.
Students began arriving long before the program started, gathering around the bus with wide eyes and eager smiles. Within a few hours, the school compound was filled with students, parents, teachers, local community members, and government officials who had come to witness this special moment.
The formal program began with the symbolic handover of the bus key (top image). Sang Doma Sherpa, Founder and President of Calls Over Ridges Nepal, officially handed over the key to the Mayor of Jiri Municipality and the Head Teacher of the school.
The moment was met with applause and celebration.
Soon after, the students were invited to step onto the bus for the very first time. Their excitement was unmistakable as they climbed aboard, laughing and looking out the windows. Nearby, parents watched quietly, many with visible relief and happiness, knowing that their children would no longer have to endure long and difficult journeys to school.
“Our Students Have Struggled for Too Long”
Speaking during the program, Mitra Bahadur Jirel, Mayor of Jiri Municipality, shared his appreciation for the initiative.
“Our students have struggled a lot just to reach school and access education,” he said. “For many of them, it meant walking for hours through difficult terrain, arriving tired and frustrated. Now those days are ending. Our children deserve easy and safe access to education despite the challenges of our geography. I thank CORN for its continued support to the students of Jiri Municipality, and I hope our partnership continues to grow.”
A Journey Made Safer
For teachers at the school, the bus represents more than convenience, it represents opportunity.
Ang Bawa Sherpa, the Head Teacher of the school, reflected on the challenges students have faced.
“During the rainy season, many students had to walk long distances to school without umbrellas,” he shared. “They often arrived with wet bags and damaged books. The school bus service will make their journey safer and much easier. Now students can focus better on their studies and participate more actively in extracurricular activities. This program has been a great support for our community and a milestone in our partnership with CORN. For us, it truly feels like a blessing.”
A Mother’s Relief
Among the many parents gathered that day was Parvati Khatri (left image), whose son Raju (right image) studies in Grade 9.
As she stood watching the students climb the bus, emotions filled her voice as she shared her story.
“Some time ago, my son had an accident while traveling to school on a motorcycle,” she said. “Since then, he has not been able to walk properly. Many times he had to return home halfway because it became too difficult for him to continue walking.”
Raju used to spend nearly four hours every day traveling to and from school.
“He would sometimes come home crying because he couldn’t manage the long walk,” she recalled. “Seeing this school bus today makes me so happy. I am deeply thankful to CORN and the school for making this possible. This will make his journey much safer and much easier.”
A Step Toward Greater Access to Education
For CORN, this milestone represents more than just delivering a bus, it represents expanding access to education for students who face daily geographical barriers.
Through the School Bus Program at Bauddha Bhuwaneshwary Secondary School in Jiri, more than 120 students are expected to benefit, with 60 students already using the service.
It also marks a strengthened partnership between CORN, the school, and Jiri Municipality, working together to ensure that no child misses educational opportunities simply because of where they live.
For the students who climbed onto the bus that day, it was more than a ride.
It was the beginning of an easier journey to education.
