A glimpse into rural education in Nepal
Have you ever wondered what rural education looks like in the country home to the Himalayas?
Education is a vital aspect of human development, and access to quality education is particularly important in rural areas where it can help break the cycle of poverty and improve economic opportunities.
As someone who has spent time in both urban and rural areas of Nepal, I have a clear understanding of the stark differences in the quality of education that exists between the two.
In rural areas, where I come from, access to quality education is often hindered by a range of challenges. Inadequate infrastructure, qualified teachers and resources are just some factors that make it difficult to for students like me to receive a proper education and break the cycle of poverty.
During my high school years, I participated in a library establishment program in which my friends and I traveled to a rural area of Dolakha district to establish a library for the kids of a local government school. As soon as we arrived, it was clear that the school was in dire need of infrastructure and resources. Many of the remote schools we visited were lacking basic amenities like classrooms, bathrooms, and running water, which made it difficult for students to learn properly. Furthermore, a shortage of transportation makes it difficult for pupils to travel to school, especially in rural areas. The school’s classrooms were not in the best condition — the roof leaked, the walls were covered in mould, and the benches were all worn out. The students had to sit on the floor to learn and were exposed to all the elements during the monsoon season.
As we traveled from school to school, we saw how inadequate the infrastructure was in these rural areas, where students were forced to learn in overcrowded and poorly-ventilated classrooms. The shortage of running water and proper sanitation facilities made it difficult for students to maintain good hygiene, which can lead to health problems. The situation was made worse by the fact that many of these schools were located in such remote areas, that it was difficult to even travel to them.
This infrastructure contrasts sharply with urban schools in Nepal, which frequently feature modern facilities and resources, such as computers and scientific laboratories, that enhance learning experiences.
The students were also visibly malnourished and most were from families that were living below the poverty line. The school had no library and the teachers were not well-equipped to deliver the lessons.
That was the moment we decided that we should take an initiative and establish a library for these students. We couldn’t stand there and watch the students suffer. Our initiative could help them to have a better learning experience but it would not solve all of their problems. The library establishment was just a small step, but it was a step in the right direction for these students to have access to books and to be able to learn and grow.
Undersupply of qualified teachers is another issue affecting education in rural Nepal. My local rural schools frequently have under trained teachers on staff, which can result in low-quality instructions provided to the students. Additionally, rural schools frequently experience a high teacher turnover rate, which can impede learning, in contrast to metropolitan schools that typically have qualified instructors and a lower teacher turnover rate. Another obstacle to schooling in rural Nepal is scarcity of resources. It can be challenging for students to learn at many rural schools since they don’t have essential supplies like textbooks, pencils, and paper. A shortage of funds also hinder rural schools’ ability to deliver high-quality lessons. This contrasts with metropolitan schools, which typically have more financing and resources available.
Overall, there are a number of measures that can be put into practice to enhance the education of students like myself, who are based in rural Nepal and deal with these issues.
These include:
- Investing in infrastructure: Building new schools or upgrading existing facilities in rural areas can create a more conducive learning environment. This can include adding classrooms, toilets, and drinking water facilities, as well as improving transportation options.
- Investing in teacher training programs: Ensuring that rural schools have trained teachers can help improve the quality of education in these schools and increase the retention of teachers. This can be achieved through teacher training programs and professional development opportunities.
- Improving access to resources: Providing textbooks and other materials to rural schools, or implementing programs that promote literacy and education, can help improve learning experiences.
- Increasing funding for education in rural areas: Providing additional resources or offering scholarships to students from low-income families can help address some of the financial challenges facing education in rural Nepal.
Ultimately, improving the education in rural Nepal will require a multifaceted approach. By investing in infrastructure, teacher training, resources, and funding, it is possible to improve the quality of education in rural Nepal and provide greater opportunities for students in remote areas to have better and brighter futures.
By Pramish Sihali, Sales & Communications Intern at Educase
