“When I first heard about the coronavirus, I googled it and learned about its symptoms. But at that moment, I didn’t think it would affect everyone in this way.

I study in Kathmandu after graduating from Kopila Valley School. As the possibilities of school closures were making rounds, I remember going to class one morning and discussing with teachers and friends about how to continue classes in the coming days.

The government soon announced a nationwide lockdown, and all the schools closed. I was able to return to my hometown in Surkhet a day before the lockdown. It didn’t occur to me that the lockdown was because of the pandemic until COVID-19 cases started being confirmed in our locality. Those cases increased gradually, and death cases too started appearing on the news.

The worst part was hearing about migrant workers facing many problems on their way back, people having hard times because of not being able to work, people dying because of natural calamities, and lack of health services, among others.

There were also some positives, too. I got to spend significant time with my family, which no other vacation would allow if it hadn’t been for the lockdown. This pandemic also taught me to have patience and be mindful of the present moments, and take things slow.”

– K, A Kopila Valley School Graduate