Chepang women actively engaged in educational reforms

By Murari Adhikari,Dhading, Apr.5: Once distant from formal education, the Chepang community now seems to be acknowledging the importance of school education.

 In recent times, Sarita Chepang from Benighat Rorang Municipality-8 in Dhading district is frequently seen visiting Gothibhajyang Basic School. She is neither a teacher nor a school staff member, but she visits the school to understand her daughter’s education and to inspire her. Sarita, along with her daughter, is now knowledgeable about the roles of students, teachers, and parents in educational reforms.

Children in Gothibhajyang rarely used to attend school in the past. There was no supportive learning environment at home, and even cleanliness was neglected. Parents showed little concern for their children’s education. 

However, through efforts by education officer Sanumaya Chepang and a meeting with Smita Chepang from Prayas Nepal, significant changes in education began. Parent education sessions were organised, school management committee meetings were held, and regular discussions and activities connected many mothers, like Sarita, with school and educational activities. These discussions, focusing on child development, the roles and responsibilities of parents, the importance of education, and the relationship between parents, teachers, and students, brought about positive changes in the village.

Sarita, who is now focused on her daughter’s future, has learned a lot from the school. She explained that the mindset of simply sending children to school is no longer sufficient. Parents need to be actively involved in their children’s education to bring about meaningful change.

In communities like Benighat Rorang, a total of 300 mothers from 19 community schools in Ward Nos. 6, 8, and 10 have now started taking an interest in their children’s education, just like Sarita. With increased parental involvement, children now attend school regularly, and there has been a noticeable improvement in cleanliness and educational quality, as noted by Saraswati Chepang, a child development educator.

The “Educational Access Assurance Project,” run by Prayas Nepal Dhading in partnership with Child Fund Japan, has played a significant role in bringing educational reforms to schools in Benighat Rorang Municipality, according to Boddhraj Pathak, the Education Officer of Benighat Rorang Municipality.