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Shree Nawa Jagriti Lower Secondary School in Boudha-6, Kathmandu, Nepal
Principal: Thakur P. Khakurel  School phone number: 977-1-4820741

We were guided to this amazing school with the help of Bikram Panday and Jeevan Raj of CPReC- Center for Policy Research & Consultancy. These fine gentlemen work with the government and communities to facilitate the progress of education by empowering the community while working within Nepali government guidelines. They are inspiring and energetic in their passion to enlighten and educate the youth of Nepal. We are interested in learning more about their projects throughout the country.

The School:
The school currently has 650 students and 20 teachers while last year they had only 250 students with 11 teachers. Since this school is a model school student enrollment has increased, thus creating challenges in staffing and classroom availability.

Long-term plans for the school include building more classrooms to accommodate the growing population. This is a very expensive endeavor, which will cost approximately  $57,000, which is  a lot of money in Nepal.

When we arrived to the school we had to walk down a riverbed path through a very poor neighborhood. This neighborhood is filled with displaced refugees from Nepal. The United Nations's policy for helping refugees only applies to displaced refugees from other countries- helping refugees from the same country are considered domestic issues.We saw many people going about their daily business and greeting us a long the way. We were greeted at the gate of the school by the guard who was very kind and helpful.

A parent from the PTA shared that the school was literally built by the parents of this poor community who wanted their children to have a better future. None of the parents have ever received an education; none were literate. As a demonstration of their new values, the parents lessened the chores of their children so that they can do their homework and attend school. This is a true testimony of a transformation of values!

Upon entering the school each day the students must check themselves in the mirror to ensure their uniforms are straight and they are clean and ready to learn. There is a mirror at the entrance with the words “Are you clean and ready to learn?”

 

We visited a Room to Read Library, which is part of the John Wood program that brings libraries to needy children around the world. Despite this donation, we felt a little sad that compared to our libraries in America this one had very few books. As teachers we know books are of vital importance in learning. Jeff and I were so thankful we brought the Robert Munsch books and cds along with the extra cd and book as well. The principal was very happy, because they are starting to build a library with books and cds to help their students learn to read and speak English.

The teachers’ spirits of enthusiasm and selflessness in helping their students touched us. Truly, we see that teachers are special people in their faith in humankind and their endless devotion to improving the quality of life wherever they may be~ in Nepal, America, or anywhere else I would venture!

   

We can say that we fell in love with the students at this school! They were filled with laughter, joy, and love and it was our honor to spend even one hour with them. We look forward to writing with the students and teachers and helping our new Nepali friends as much as we can. We see that through our interactions we are all much improved…what a wonderful day!

Cubbies are used differently in Nepalese schools!