Bishnu Pant, a local trader in Dadeldhura Bazaar, enrolled his two children to a community school this academic year. His children, who were studying in a well-facilitated private school nearby, were not happy with the decision, as they now had to spend half-an-hour just to reach their new school. However, the children are now happy with the decision their father took because of the quality of education they are receiving at the new school.

“It’s not that I was unhappy with the private school, but I decided to enroll them at Baijanath Secondary School because the latter has a better learning environment,” said Pant. He was impressed with the public school for its academic performance as well as extra and co-curricular activities.

It is not just Pant, but many guardians in Dadeldhura Bazaar have now enrolled their wards at the community school. The community school is also the first choice for government employees and local traders when it comes to their children’s education. As per the school administration, some students from neighbouring Baitadi and Doti districts have also seek admission in the school.

“Our school has adopted a different approach to teaching students. We have an open and welcoming environment. We involve guardians in the decision-making process, and our classes are child-friendly and interactive,” said Kali Prasad Joshi, a teacher at the school.

Joshi said the notion that only a higher number of teachers and good physical infrastructure can boost the quality of education is wrong.

“We can impart quality education if the classes are run in a child-friendly environment,” he said.

The school organises interaction programmes among the teachers, students and guardians every week to collect feedback.

“Learning is easy here, as we can ask questions to the teachers without any hesitation,” said Shraddha Panta, a ninth-grader at the school. According to her, the school gathers students every evening to talk about their problems, if they have any, and seeks solution immediately.

“The school has been doing commendable work for the past 10 years. Other schools, be it private or public, should learn from its success,” said Ishwori Bhat, a social worker in the educational sector.

There are currently 16 teachers and around 500 students in Baijanath Secondary School.