Rural areas typically do not have as many resources as urban centers. Cura Mission was compelled to act when we heard the plight of one such rural school.

The population of the ri (“community”) is 3800 persons or 970 families. Most are farmers who grow rice and maize. Rice fields have been devastated by flooding in recent years. Rice crop yields have subsequently decreased due to excessive rains flooding the rice fields and not being drained straight away.

In August 2009, record heavy rainfalls caused irreparable damage to the local schools. The single story buildings were badly damaged by the relentless rains which did not stop for a week. Of the two-story buildings standing directly behind each other, two thirds of the front building collapsed in such a way that 16 classrooms were demolished completely, leaving only six remaining classrooms. Due to the lack of usable classrooms, this rural school has been running in two shifts, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, for years.

Cura has committed to rebuilding the structures in this DPRK ri so that the students in this area can pursue their studies in a safe, warm, and new environment. The project will ease the burden on their teachers, raise student morale, and create a renewed sense of community pride.