Kathmandu, 27 Sep: For years, Ullens Education Foundation was surrounded by two strong public misconceptions: that it was owned by Arzu Rana Deuba, and that it served only wealthy families for profit. In reality, Ullens is a non-profit school, with no shareholders or personal ownership. It charges higher fees to wealthy families to subsidize scholarships for hundreds of underprivileged children. Unfortunately, journalists and media, whose duty is to uncover truth and challenge falsehoods, failed to correct these misconceptions in time. By the time awareness came, the devastating arson attacks of September 9 had already reduced Ullens’ facilities to ashes.
Origins and Philosophy
Ullens was established in 2006 as a non-profit educational foundation, founded by Belgian philanthropists Miriam and Guy Ullens, in partnership with Nepali educator Som Paneru. Inspired by Nepal’s poverty-stricken children, the Ullenses wanted to create a world-class, inclusive institution. Their model: 80% fee-paying students, 20% full scholarship students. Over 1,500 children currently study there, including hundreds from disadvantaged backgrounds. The foundation also introduced the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum to Nepal for the first time. If the school ever closes, all assets revert to the state.
The Arzu Rana Deuba Link
Much of the hostility toward Ullens came from false claims linking it to Arzu Rana Deuba. In reality, she never held shares, nor was she part of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. She was only once appointed to the school’s management committee—similar to community members who chair local school boards—without ownership or profit rights. Despite repeated clarifications, misinformation persisted, contributing to hostility that ultimately fueled violence against the school.
Destruction and Appeal for Support
The recent arson destroyed five buildings in Khumaltar, three in Bansbari, and an outdoor learning center in Nala (Kavre). Eighty-three vehicles, furniture, smart boards, computers, and school records were burned or looted. The loss is estimated at 1.25 billion rupees, affecting 1,500 students and over 500 staff. The Foundation has appealed to government agencies, civil society, and the public to acknowledge the truth and help safeguard children’s right to education.
The tragedy raises urgent questions: How can students and staff feel safe in classrooms again? How can destroyed institutions be rebuilt without fear of repeat violence? And how long can society remain silent in the face of misinformation and destruction?
As Ullens’ co-founder Som Paneru said with emotion, “Now it’s too late.” Yet, the lesson remains clear: while it may be too late to undo the destruction, it is never too late to tell the truth.
