Moms show keen interest to learn computer

BY THAKUR PRASAD ACHARYA, Myagdi, June 20: Kalpana Sunar, a 37-year-old mother at the Ujyalo Alternative School in Mangalaghat, Beni Bazaar, has developed a keen interest in computers and can easily type in both Nepali and English. 

Similarly, Sabina Darji from Lamakheti of Jaljala Rural Municipality-4 in Parbat district, who had to drop out of school after marrying young, is also learning to type in Nepali and English. Not only Kalpana and Sabina, but 10 out of the 40 mothers studying at Ujyalo Alternative School have also become proficient in using computers.

Kalpana said, “One must learn to use computers for personal use. Due to the development of information technology, it has become essential to operate a computer. I thought I would never be able to use a computer in my life, but I dared to learn and now I can use it a little.” She said that she could type in Nepali and English within a week of starting to learn computers.

Sabina, a 30-year-old studying in grade 8, can also type in Nepali and English. She said, “I got married at a young age and dropped out after grade 7. Even though I wanted to study, there was no conducive environment at home. Now I understand the importance of education and have enrolled in grade 8 here. My wish is to type well in Nepali and English and learn computers.” 

Bindu Karki, the head teacher of the school, said that mothers had shown interest in learning, leading to remarkable improvements in their studies within a short period. She informed that a computer lab had been set up to teach mothers how to use computers. The lab is equipped with 10 computers and a printer to teach basic computer skills and knowledge.

Karki said, "We have included computer education from grade 7. Within one to two weeks, mothers have been able to use basic computer applications. There is a great desire among mothers to learn computers." The school has established the computer lab to fulfill the mothers' eagerness to learn computers.

Most of the students at the school are mothers with a strong desire to learn. Karki said, “Mothers are showing enthusiasm in their studies. They have shown significant learning achievements in a short period. We teachers are also happy to teach them.”

Ujyalo Alternative School was established in Beni in 2014 for targeted women and mothers who couldn't study at a young age or had to leave school midway. Currently, classes from grade 1 to 10 are being conducted on the ground floor of the building of the Social Development Office. Four mothers had participated in the 2024 SEE (Secondary Education Examination). 

The Ministry of Social Development of Gandaki Province, the Education Development and Coordination Unit and Beni Municipality have been supporting the school. 

Sandeep Khatri, the co-secretary of the School Management Committee, said, “The school struggles to manage the salaries and expenses of six teachers due to the lack of continuous support and assured resources.” He informed that they had been sustaining the school through donations and support.