CDM Smith Launches Nepal Book Drive GoFundMe

BOSTON—In 2015, a devastating a 7.8 magnitude earthquake ravaged Nepal. It resulted in thousands of deaths and injuries, flattening entire villages. With help from global engineering and construc­tion firm CDM Smith and the U.S. Agency for Inter­na­tional Development (USAID), Nepal continues to rebuild resilient and sustainable infra­struc­ture to withstand future threats. 

As part of the project, CDM Smith has helped rebuild 12 schools—three primary and nine secondary schools. But, when students return, they will find empty libraries.
Access to books and an education is essential to achieving the vision of a stable, resilient and prosperous Nepal. Unfor­tu­nately, there are limited books and no budget for schools to purchase new ones. 

“The 2015 earthquake rendered the school buildings useless. The furniture, teaching and learning materials were destroyed,” said a member of the school management committee.

CDM Smith has launched a GoFundMe page to raise the funds to purchase 7,000 books and three dozen tablets for the libraries. Working with the school management committees and local book distrib­u­tors, the firm determined the cost of purchase and delivery, setting the total fundraising goal at $30,000. 

The fundraiser will run from June 14 through July 31. Books will be delivered to the schools by mid-August in time for a celebration on September 8, 2021: Inter­na­tional Literacy Day. 

“This recon­struc­tion project means a great deal for Nepal, for the resilient design, quality of recon­struc­tion and the disad­van­taged communities the earthquake targeted,” said CDM Smith project manager Rajeev Thapa. “With the completion of 12 schools, more than 6,000 students will benefit and be able to resume their education in fully furnished, equipped, resilient, inclusive and modern school buildings.”

Working on projects that improve the quality of life for communities at home and abroad is a rewarding aspect of CDM Smith careers. Employees not only pride themselves on legendary client service and unmatched technical skills, but also on their culture of caring.

To donate to the CDM Smith Nepal Book Drive, visit gofundme.com/cdm-smith-nepal-book-drive.

CDM Smith is a privately owned engineering and construc­tion firm providing legendary client service and smart solutions in water, environment, trans­porta­tion, energy and facilities. Passionate about our work and invested in each other, we are inspired to think and driven to solve the world's envi­ron­men­tal and infra­struc­ture challenges.