Teachers at Sarada Primary School in Sabung Bhagawatipur-2, Tanahun, have regularly been cleaning their school premises for the past one year.

Headmaster Madhubir Ranamagar said he and all teachers in the school are carrying out cleaner’s role besides their regular duty.

“We had a vacant post of an office assistant but at the same time, we also needed a teacher. So we chose to appoint a teacher instead of office assistant to

prioritise teaching,” Ranamagar said, adding that they did not have resources to appoint the both.

Stating that all teachers are equal, Ranamagar said each teacher cleans classroom for a week routinely.

As all the teachers—Chitra Kumari Sharma, Keshari Ale, Keshari Thapamagar, Suka Bahadur Thapamagar and Shanti Thapa-clean the school premises regularly, students also join them to keep school area clean.

“There is no garbage in the school area now,” Ranamagar said. School Management Committee Chairperson Nanumaya Gaihre said they appointed Keshari Thapamagar as a teacher in the vacant position of an office assistant.

Keshari said she agreed to teach for Just Rs 3,500 as the school is in her community.

Ukta Bahadur BK, a local resident, said a majority of students in the school are from indigenous and Dalit communities. Currently, 181 students are studying in the school.