In the remote village in the west of Nepal, where basic facilities like clean toilets are often overlooked within educational institutions, a toilet reconstruction project led by NYU Abu Dhabi graduate Yogesh Dhungana, Class of 2024, was completed successfully over the summer. Through the “Toilets for Transformation” project, nominated by New York University, Dhungana’s team, including Abdul Muqeet Agha, Class of 2025, NYU Tandon School of Engineering, successfully reconstructed six female toilets and upgraded the sanitation facilities at Shree Shodasha Devi Secondary School located in Achham district easing the lives of over 600 female students. This project is one of 129 projects nominated globally by 94 partner institutions under the prestigious Davis Projects for Peace.
Addressing a Neglected Issue
In rural Nepal, sanitation facilities are often neglected particularly in public schools. This disproportionately affects female students, many of whom miss school during menstruation due to the lack of adequate toilets, ultimately impacting their education. Dhungana, born and raised in Achham, knew the challenges firsthand. His project aimed to solve this issue, giving students access to fully equipped, safe, and clean toilets. “This project is a small yet crucial step in addressing a much larger problem. Quality sanitation is essential for education,” said Dhungana.
The reconstruction of a previously abandoned building included the installation of new toilet pans, hand washing basins, water storage tanks, and proper plumbing systems. Additionally, the toilets were equipped with floor and wall tiles, mirrors, soap dispensers, and improved drainage, ensuring a functional and clean environment for students.
A Community Effort
Leveraging local connections and resources, Dhungana led the project sensibly and responsibly overcoming the challenges of working during the peak rainy season and limited availability of construction materials.
“The project would not have been possible without the support of the school administration, community people, and my project partner, whom I met during his study away at NYUAD, genuinely helped navigate through different challenges,” Dhungana said.
Dhungana worked closely with school staff and local laborers, ensuring that the reconstruction would not only be efficient but also sustainable.
A Toilet Cleanliness Committee under the coordinatorship of the School Nurse was formed in the school, consisting of teachers and students, to maintain the new facilities on a daily basis and educate others on the importance of hygiene.
Having grown up here, I’ve always wanted to give back to my community. I’m grateful to have the support of Davis Projects for Peace and NYU for supporting this cause and making it a reality.
Sustaining the Impact
The project is just the beginning. Dhungana hopes that the impact of this work will extend beyond the school and into the surrounding community. By educating students and teachers about proper sanitation and hygiene, he believes the message will spread to families and contribute to better health and educational outcomes throughout the community.
“Providing basic needs like sanitation facilities is the foundation for peace and progress,” Dhungana reflects. “It allows students, especially girls, to pursue their education with dignity.”
Through his commitment, Dhungana has shown that true transformation starts with a single step, and for Shodasha School, that step is cleaner, safer toilets.
“In many cases, we fail to recognize our privileges and take basic amenities like toilets or tap water for granted, but such necessities are often absent for many underprivileged people. Recognizing the privileges I've had, including my education at NYUAD, I am motivated to pursue more opportunities like Davis Projects for Peace to give back to my community and make a tangible difference.”
Yogesh Dhungana is a graduate of NYU Abu Dhabi, Class of 2024, and majored in Economics with a minor in Social Research and Public Policy. Born and raised in Mangalsen, Nepal, Dhungana is passionate about community development and educational equity. The “Toilets for Transformation” project was nominated by New York University and awarded funding through the Davis Projects for Peace (2024 cohort). Yogesh is currently a Tamayyuz Research Fellow in the Office of Inclusion and Equity at NYUAD.
