Two months after a 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Dingri County near Mount Qomolangma’s base camp, thousands of students in southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region have resumed classes for the new semester. The quake, which claimed 126 lives in January, damaged 79 schools—now 76 have been repaired to safety standards, while reconstruction begins for three primary schools in heavily impacted townships.
Over 1,400 students from the worst-hit areas are temporarily attending classes at four alternative sites, including the county’s Party school. “We received new textbooks, backpacks, and bedding,” said Pasang Tsering, a sixth-grader at the temporary campus. Education officials emphasized swift action to ensure continuity, mobilizing teachers to prepare facilities and provide psychological support to address trauma.
Li Benfeng, deputy director of Dingri’s education bureau, highlighted the urgency of repairs, stating temporary sites were equipped with six classrooms to accommodate 220 students. Meanwhile, reconstruction launched this week for eight villages aims to relocate 120,000 residents by year-end, following debris clearance and risk assessments.
Chimed, deputy director of Xigaze’s education bureau, noted teachers’ critical role in balancing academic and emotional recovery: “We’re committed to restoring normalcy and easing fears.” The efforts reflect broader resilience in Xizang, where communities rebuild while prioritizing education and sustainable recovery.
