On August 23, 2023, heavy rainfall in Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh, led to severe flooding and landslides, completely washing away the school building, which originally consisted of seven classrooms, two toilets, and a kitchen. With 35 students and five staff members left without a functional school, the local community arranged temporary classes in a nearby temple, but the inadequate infrastructure posed serious challenges for the students.
Recognizing the urgency, SEEDS mobilized its team on August 28, 2023, to assess the damage and coordinate with school authorities, community members, and district officials. The organization engaged with the Deputy Commissioner of Mandi and the District Education Officer to facilitate reconstruction efforts. A crucial milestone was the successful transfer of land from the Forest Department to the Education Department, ensuring that the rebuilding process could proceed.
With support from the PwC India Foundation, construction commenced in September 2024 and was completed in December 2024, with toilet facilities finalized by January 31, 2025. The new school building includes modern classrooms, improved sanitation facilities, and access to clean drinking water, providing a secure and dignified environment for the students and staff. The project has been successfully completed and is ready for handover to local authorities.
At a formal handover ceremony, Shri Apoorv Devgan, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of Mandi, attended the dedication ceremony of the restored school. In his address, he expressed gratitude to the PwC India Foundation and SEEDS for their commitment to this vital initiative. “SEEDS" dedication to long-term recovery will have a meaningful impact on the lives of children who come to this school and their future," he added. The event was also attended by local authorities, representatives from the education department, and community members.
"At the PwC India Foundation, our disaster response framework has always focused on building resilience for people and communities,” says Jaivir Singh, Vice Chairman, PwC India Foundation. “This is, of course, in part made possible through our partnerships with the social and public sectors for which collaboration is key. With the help of their deep, extensive and localised knowledge, we are able to help provide customised, sustained solutions that best fit each community’s unique requirements."
Dr. Manu Gupta, Co-Founder of SEEDS, stated: "Rebuilding the Government Primary School in Kuklah, Mandi, was more than just reconstructing a building — it was about ensuring that children have a safe and stable space to continue their education. A school is the heart of a community, and by restoring this institution, we have helped families regain a sense of normalcy after the devastating floods. This project would not have been possible without the dedicated support of the PwC India Foundation, which played a key role in assessing needs, planning, and providing essential resources.”
“SEEDS and the PwC India Foundation have worked together on several projects in the past, always with the goal of helping communities emerge stronger after disasters. This partnership continues to create lasting change for those who need it most,” he added. He also expressed gratitude for Mr. Jaivir Singh’s presence at the handover ceremony, acknowledging his support and involvement.
Key Impact:
- 53 students (24 boys, 29 girls) now have access to a safe learning space.
- Over 90% of the workforce involved in the reconstruction were from the local community, fostering employment opportunities.
- The project supported local businesses by sourcing materials and services from within the region.
- The new school structure is disaster-resilient, ensuring long-term safety and stability.
Additionally, SEEDS recommends the formation of a School Disaster Management Plan, which will include Disaster Risk Reduction training, first-aid provision, and structured evacuation plans to enhance preparedness for future emergencies.
About the PwC India Foundation
The PwC India Foundation empowers communities by building resilience through participative decision-making and actions. We contribute toward societal goals through anchoring our interventions in education and skill development, health and nutrition, environmental sustainability, social entrepreneurship and humanitarian response to natural disasters. Our vision includes leveraging our people’s skill sets to serve the most vulnerable in complex geographies through initiatives that are designed to be inclusive and impactful.
Established in 2008, the PwC India Foundation initiatives focus on:
- Empowering communities: Supporting programmes run by grass-root institutions
- Enabling participation: Providing our employees with an opportunity to apply their skill sets for societal good
- Special initiatives: Addressing critical challenges being faced by our country using a globally recognised, sustainable and localised approach
About SEEDS
SEEDS (Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society) is a leading non-profit organization focused on disaster response, resilience building, and community-led development. With a track record of rebuilding critical infrastructure in disaster-hit areas, SEEDS ensures sustainable and inclusive recovery for vulnerable communities.
For more information, visit www.seedsindia.org
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