School workshop Program

Community work in schools offers students an informal space to learn and grow socially, benefiting both the participants and the school’s own students. Such engagement helps strengthen communities by enhancing knowledge, skills, and confidence. It also contributes significantly to students’ social development, encouraging lifelong learning, promoting inclusion, and fostering responsible, active citizenship.

Students in government schools often come from disadvantaged backgrounds. For them, interacting with students from more developed countries provides a unique opportunity to gain exposure, learn new perspectives, and broaden their experiences. This exchange works both ways, benefiting all students involved.

Bidharthi Niketan Higher Secondary School is one of the schools in Bhaktapur district. Situated just a seven-minute walk from the main entrance of Bhaktapur Durbar Square and near Khawapa Chhen Hotel, the school is led by a female principal. On average, each class from grade I to XII has about 30 students, and the school also offers a nursery class.

Resources at the school are limited. Teacher salaries are covered by government grants, while daily expenses rely on the small tuition fees collected from students. The school does not yet have a website, a proper library, or a science lab. They have about two dozen donated computers. According to the principal, students often struggle most in science and math, though English education has improved significantly due to early English instruction starting from grade I. The nursery classroom, for example, needs painting, but the school cannot afford it. Visiting students can actively participate in teaching and learning activities across all classes, including the nursery.

Community work can also include creative activities such as an open painting class, which the school can organize. The school day runs from 10 am to 4 pm, with a half-hour lunch break at 1 pm. Additionally, the school can host cultural programs featuring song and dance from Nepal’s diverse ethnic traditions. Visiting students can also share their own cultural presentations.

The program is flexible and can be adjusted depending on the interests and preferences of the participating students. This outline serves as a general guideline for daily activities.