The Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi municipality has sparked a crucial dialogue on enhancing the quality of education in community schools within its jurisdiction. Initiating consultations with various stakeholders, including political representatives, ward education committees, school principals, chairs of school management committees, teachers, former educators, and students, the municipality aims to rejuvenate interest in community schools.
Mayor Tirtha Raj Bhattarai highlighted the need for educational discussions to identify the root causes contributing to the decline in the quality of education within community schools. Expressing concern over the significant investment by the state and the presence of highly qualified teachers, Mayor Bhattarai emphasized the alarming decrease in student enrollment.
Attributing factors such as migration, the proliferation of private schools, low birth rates, and foreign employment as contributors to the declining number of students in community schools, the municipality stressed the urgency of retaining students in these institutions.
During a recent gathering, the municipality gathered input from participants, resulting in 32 suggestions on enhancing the quality of education in community schools. Recommendations included making it mandatory for people's representatives to enroll their children in community schools, managing residential schools, providing frequent orientations to parents, and developing timely and context-specific curriculums.
To address these concerns comprehensively, the municipality has appointed a committee consisting of Surya Bahadur Rai (Executive Director of Shuvam Foundation), Laxmi Prasad Khanal (Principal of Pancha Secondary School Diktel), and Prem KC (Technical Assistant at the municipality's education section). This committee is tasked with preparing a detailed report within five days based on the gathered suggestions.
Mayor Bhattarai stressed the importance of swift action, stating that without creating a favorable atmosphere for retaining students in villages, schools could be deserted in the coming years. The committee's report will be further discussed among teachers and people's representatives at the ward level, with plans to incorporate the suggestions and recommendations in the upcoming academic session.
Despite the mayor's ongoing campaign for quality education since taking office, many community schools in Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi municipality have experienced a decline in student enrollment. With 93 schools (secondary, middle, and basic combined) in the municipality, the local authorities are determined to address the challenges and ensure the future sustainability of education in community schools.
