Kathmandu, Sept 24 – Ullens School, one of Nepal’s leading educational institutions, has released a heartbreaking statement after violent protests left its campuses in ruins. The school detailed the catastrophic destruction of its buildings, property, and records, alongside the deep emotional toll on its students, staff, and wider community.
Protests Turn Deadly
The violence followed a protest organized by the group "Gen-Z" on September 8, initially called to oppose corruption and social media restrictions. As the schools are regarded as peace zones, Ullens School Khumaltar and Ullens School Bansbari campuses continued operations as usual.
By afternoon, the situation spiraled out of control, with reports of gunfire and at least 19 young people killed. Authorities imposed a curfew as Ullens staff worked until late evening to ensure the safe return of 1,400 students and more than 500 employees.
The unrest continued into September 9, when rioters vandalized and torched public and private property nationwide. At around 11:00 AM, Ullens’ campuses were looted and set ablaze, even as teachers and students conducted online classes due to safety concerns.
A Community’s Heartbreak
The school’s statement described the destruction as more than just material loss. “On September 9, it was not the Ullens building that was set on fire, but the faith, dedication, and lives of the extended Ullens family,” it read.
Over two decades of history went up in flames, including books, student records, graduation certificates, and invaluable educational materials.
Catastrophic Losses
The financial and infrastructural damage is staggering. By brutally and criminally vandalizing, looting, and setting fire to five buildings of our Khumaltar school, three buildings of the Bansbari school, and the outdoor learning centre of the school in Nala, Kavre, the Ullens schools, Ullens College, Ullens Centre for Educator Development and all such institutions and structures were completely reduced to zero.
Eighty-three school vehicles, along with air conditioners, smart boards, computers, and other equipment, were either looted or burned.
The Ullens Education Foundation estimates losses of over NPR 1.25 billion (USD 9.4 million). Beyond the physical damage, the school emphasized the uncertainty this creates for 1,461 students and the livelihoods of more than 500 staff.
Targeted by Misinformation
The school attributed the attack to misinformation campaigns, particularly rumors linking the institution to political figures. Ullens clarified that it is a non-profit educational foundation, not a for-profit business, and refuted claims of ownership by Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba.
A Legacy of Philanthropy
Ullens School traces its roots to the early 1990s, when Belgian philanthropist Miriam Ullens founded “Happy Home” for disadvantaged children. Later, she and her husband, Guy Ullens, in collaboration with Nepali social worker Som Paneru, established Ullens School with the vision of providing progressive, high-quality, non-profit education.
The school operates on a self-sustaining model, with 20% of students receiving scholarships. It has been officially registered as a non-profit since 2006.
An Appeal to the Nation
In its statement, the Ullens Education Foundation called on the government, civil society, and media to ensure accountability and justice. It posed urgent questions:
- Can the state protect citizens and institutions from such violence?
- Will those responsible face justice?
- Can the school be rebuilt with assurances of safety?
The message ended with a plea: “We appeal to the entire nation for guidance, protection, and support during this uncertain and terrifying time.”
