There has been a growing interest among students at Shiv Secondary School in Vyas Municipality-10 Dumsi. The surge in student enthusiasm is attributed to the school's innovative approach, which incorporates practical skills tailored to individual interests alongside traditional textbook knowledge.
Ashrut Lamichhane, a resident of the same ward and a 10th-grade student, has not only been pursuing academic studies but has also engaged in skill training. His newfound talent involves playing the Dhalaki in the context of the traditional Panchebaja. Following a month-long training program as part of the school's comprehensive learning initiative, Lamichhane has achieved proficiency in playing the Dhalaki.
"In the beginning, I struggled to grasp it," he shared. "But now, through consistent effort and guidance from the instructor, I can play the Dhalaki skillfully." Likewise, Shishir Sapkota, a 10th-grade student, is adept at playing the Tempo. He states, "Although it was intimidating at first, now I can play with ease."
Teacher Dhurav Bhandari revealed that the school enlisted a coach from Chitwan to provide one-month Panchebaja training for interested students. Plans are underway to offer training in playing Narasimha in Panchebaja. Bhandari remarked, "Despite being adept at various musical instruments and Panchebaja, many struggle with playing Narasimha."
The school envisions deploying students with these skills to events like weddings, cultural gatherings, and religious ceremonies during breaks and holidays. Principal Chandramani Koirala explained that the school aims to instill cultural awareness in students by imparting skills such as dancing, tapari weaving (a process of making multipurpose leaf plates and bowls by stitching Saal leaves with a small bamboo sticks), vegetable farming, potato cultivation, cotton wicks, and hair cutting.
Recognizing the decline of traditional skills in society, the school has taken the initiative to teach these skills to students practically. The traditional Pukhyuli Panchebaja, an art form cherished by the Pariyar community, is threatened with extinction, compelling the school to prioritize its conservation efforts.
Koirala emphasized the school's commitment to providing practical education to students in grades 8, 9, and 10. He noted that skill-based education is introduced to combat student boredom and disinterest in conventional studies. "With the introduction of skill-based education, students are not only enthusiastic about learning new skills but also show increased interest in academic studies," he added.
To ensure the continuity of these skills, students who have acquired them are encouraged to teach and transfer their knowledge to younger students in lower grades. The school has plans to expand its skill-based and income-generating training programs, including plumbing and wiring. Both students and teachers actively participate in playing musical instrument, singing, and dancing.
As part of its commitment to technical education, the school has provided smart TVs to students in classes 1 to 5 and smart boards to students in classes 6 to 10. The school, currently catering to 300 students, primarily comprises Dalit, Janajati, and marginalized children.
