Celebrations were in order after Shree Karmasingh Primary School in the earthquake-hit district of Gorkha in Western Nepal found itself a new building.

See it unfold here in GiFs and pictures.

(Read the first part of this story here)

A community in Gorkha, the epicenter of the 2015 quakes, had been using an abandoned, dilapidated chicken coop as their school structure after the old one was destroyed by the earthquake.

As part of the project to restore education in earthquake-hit districts, the European Union- UNICEF partnership, with support from government and non-governmental bodies, finished constructing a Transitional Learning Center for the school.

The community came together on the opening day, as it had throughout the rebuilding process.

First, the formalities.

After adorning guests with garlands came a flurry of speeches from all involved stakeholders including local partners, community members, and dignitaries from our partner agency in constructing the Transitional Learning Centers for this school, HANDS International.

Of course no “opening ceremony” is complete without the classic ribbon-cutting.

Baburam Devkota, Engineer from the District Education Office, the local government body for education, opens the door to the new classrooms.

And celebrations begin!

The students had a dance prepared for the occasion.

Members of the local community Mothers’ Group joined the celebrations in their uniform saree, and could not stop applauding to their children’s performance.

And joined in themselves.

Seeing their moms and grand moms up the ante, the children don’t hold back. While their first dances were prepped and formal, as the day wore on they let loose.

Classes also resumed the same day, although it was to be less serious than regular studies, per the enthusiastic request from the students.

Raise your hands please!

Here the teacher asks if there’s anyone willing to come forward and write in the white board what they think of their new school….

She’s definitely going places : )

The project aims to erect a total of 650 Transitional Learning Centers in nine similar earthquake affected districts, while also distributing educational learning materials and training teachers on the post-earthquake educational scenario.