Schools in Nepal have been closed in the past three months due to the COVID-19 pandemic and there is still uncertainty about the timing of the reopening. It was in this context that the idea of conducting the lessons in different locations came to the two principals, Messrs. Binu Jacob and Leslie Pereira. Since the school premises cannot be used to conduct lessons, classrooms have been rented to conduct lessons in nearby villages, with students divided into groups of ten. Here, classes made up of small groups were preferred to online lessons, as the financial conditions of many students are not good.
Currently, teachers teach lessons in major subjects such as English, Nepali, math, science and social studies. The first part of the program is being carried out, but lessons are expected to continue beyond school hours.
The first phase of this new lesson mode was well supported by the teachers and parents of the children and, starting from the first day, a 95% student presence was recorded. This therefore suggests that every single student at the school will actively participate in this new program.
The local Administration, in particular the Education Department, has given authorization to carry out the lessons in this way. However, all anti-Covid regulations must be strictly respected, such as the use of the mask, social distancing and the obligation to frequently disinfect hands. The school therefore ensures due care to prevent the spread of the virus in the community.
Parents and students have responded positively to this initiative, which allows children to attend classes, even in times of forced closures due to the pandemic.
