A decade ago, Dhaulagiri Birendra Secondary School, once bustling with students near the Baglung headquarters, faced closure due to a decline in enrollment. The school administration attributed this decline to the growing popularity of private schools. To counter this trend, the school adopted a technical curriculum in 2073.
The introduction of technical education led to a resurgence in student enrollment, according to the school administration. Dr. Ashish Sapkota, the school's Animal Science Coordinator, noted a significant increase in students coming from distant areas to study animal science. He highlighted the growing interest in animal science among students attending public schools, with a simultaneous rise in students from lower-income families pursuing technical education.
Sapkota emphasized that offering technical education for free attracted students from remote municipalities, including neighboring districts like Myagdi. In 2073, Dhaulagiri Birendra Secondary School became the first in the district to introduce animal science classes from grades 9 to 12.
With an initial enrollment of 16 students, the animal science program has now grown to include 74 students. Sapkota expressed that this change was facilitated by the government's permission to teach animal science in public schools. The school's adoption of English-medium instruction further contributed to the increase in students transitioning from private to public education.
Despite nearly closing due to a lack of students, the school currently hosts 350 students from grades 1 to 12. Sanam Sunar, a class 12 student from Bhakimli, Myagdi, chose to study animal science in Baglung due to the subject's potential. He highlighted the employment opportunities within the technical field, both locally and nationally.
Sachin Gautam, another student, emphasized that the commencement of animal science teaching at Dhaulagiri Birendra Secondary School has eliminated the need for students interested in technical subjects to go outside the district. He expressed attraction to animal science due to its abundant employment potential and practical applicability in daily life.
Established in 2021 B.S., the school, once with over a thousand students, saw a low of 68 students in 2068. However, community initiatives to improve the school have resulted in a current enrollment of 350 students.
Principal Bhumiraj Gautam shared that English-medium instruction was initiated in 2068, gradually leading to increased enrollment. The inclusion of animal science education, along with well-equipped laboratories and computer classes, further fueled this growth. The school now offers English-medium instruction from grades 1 to 10 and dual English and Nepali medium instruction for grades 11 and 12.
Following the success of Dhaulagiri Birendra Secondary School, animal science education has expanded to Nepal Secondary School in Tarakhola Rural Municipality and Gyanendra Secondary School in Nisikhola Rural Municipality within the district.
