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The three "R" and beyond – Education in Nepal

When my daughter was four years old I decided to put in a school. Galaxy School Public had to be near my house in the area so Gyaneswar enrolled her in kindergarten there. But as I was putting in its galaxy, my mind and I was thinking of ways to be admitted to the most famous Santa Maria High School in Jawalakhel. Two years later, did just that. I remember waiting for reasons school entrance exams and are being carried out in a room in St. Mary's. My daughter was the first to leave and I asked him how he had done. "It was Easy my dad, "he said." Just How do you spell 'muse' (mouse in Nepali)? "When I told her, his response was: "I think they were wrong."

The question in my mind was how students would be selected because I could not understand what the difference in the understanding there would be among children six years old, sitting for an entrance examination in which questions could only be simple. The school authorities clearly had a huge task on his hands, as usually more than 2000 applications each year for 200 seats in first class this school. Of all However, the long and short of it was that my daughter won the coveted entry into the prestigious school and later spent 11 years from Class 12. The fact that she is a Alumni of Santa Maria, no doubt, be one of its greatest assets in life and my self (Darjeeling) an alumni of San Jose is a big plus for me. I confess when I went to my first job interview, this fact alone gave me an unfair advantage over all other candidates. A good primary school education is undoubtedly important as good a college degree.

And when speaking of basic education in Nepal, Darjeeling is possible not to mention schools where many of the elite sent Nepal their children of the first studies until recently, and many still continue to do so? The fact that many members of the royal family of Bhutan, Sikkim and Nepal (including the late King Birendra, the former king Gyanendra, and the late Prince Dhirendra) and offspring of the Indian princely states, once studied at St Josephs and other schools similar in the region of Darjeeling, lent an aura of glamor to those who were educated there. As a matter of interest should also be mentioned that the purpose of Queen Aishwarya did her studies in St. Helen's in Kurseong. There are many names in the industry and business in Nepal who were also educated in Darjeeling schools. In addition, many teachers in the region have participated in the creation of schools reputation here. An example is Brihaspati Vidyasadan established in 1985 by the late Mr. Maurice Banerjee, who not only was the principal of St. Joseph (Darjeeling) in a while, but also one of the best teachers found anywhere. Another example is Shuvatara School, whose founder Principal, Ms. Rani Raj Gurung Kakshyapati is also an alumnus of Darjeeling.

In recent years, however, trend is more towards the Nepalese students leave the country for higher studies and not for early education. The reason is obvious – there are now plenty of good schools in the country itself (the late Prince Dipendra and Niraj Budhanilkantha studied in school and the late Princess Shruti, St. Mary's). The rapid Progress in education is something that has to be appreciated, and now there are plenty of reputable schools can claim to be as good as many schools in Darjeeling and develop standards in Nepal itself, ie, San Javier and Santa Maria. During the 1950s, there were only 310 primary and secondary schools, 11 secondary schools, Two colleges and a technical school in the country. The number of students was about 10,000.

After the overthrow of Rana regime in 1951, efforts were made to increase literacy rates. Primary education is free and compulsory in 1975. In 1987, the country had 2,532,021 students enrolled in schools with about 17 186 75 869 teachers. The 2001 census was 5.5 million enrolled 26,000 students in schools, 415 colleges, five universities and two academies of studies higher. The number of teachers was well over 150,000. In fact, the education sector has advanced and now a terrible find good schools and colleges throughout the country. The increase was due mainly to the expansion of private schools since 1990. However, the amount alone does not translate into the quality and schools private have often been criticized for being more than money making machines rather than healthy educational institutions. While some criticism is justified The measure also must be recognized that also has dramatically improved the quality of many of these institutions. Perhaps the quality comes with a price.

However, when you come to think of it, there have been some schools that have played a leading role in raising educational standards here without having to face similar criticism. Among them is the school of San Javier, Godavari, which began classes on July 1, 1951 under the direction of Fr. Marshall Moran, an American-born priest considered as the pioneer of modern education in Nepal. On September 9, 1954, the main section was transferred to Jawalakhel. In due time, Jawalakhel St. Xavier's became in a full school and San Javier Godavari became an elementary school. In 1996, he decided to make San Xavier Godavari a high school education Mixed aimed primarily at scholars days from the neighboring villages and in 2001, St. Xavier's Jawalakhel also became co-educational.

St. Mary's School was founded in 1955 as a girls' school of the Sisters of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, later known as the Congregation of Jesus. This was followed later by the Saint Mary's School in Pokhara in 1982. In 1986, the school founded by Mary Ward School in Jhamsikhel, for the children's primary education disadvantaged and at the time of Mary Ward School in Lubhu was established as an extension. On November 17, 1991, Gorkha also witnessed the creation of a School Santa Maria there. However, even if the Jesuit schools set new standards here, the first modern school in Nepal was the historic Durbar High School in Ranipokhari, Kathmandu, which was established in 1854. Originally meant only for children of Rana families, the school was finally opened to the general public in 1886. Initially, Most teachers came from Calcutta and the school was affiliated to Calcutta University. The durbar old building remains today as a bullet from the past but anyone can see that cries out for timely restoration, to be able to maintain its proud history.

Around 1877, Prime Minister Singh Ranodip Pradhan Sanskrit Pathshalas established (a school primarily intended to preserve the culture Sanskrit) and this was followed by some more schools Sanskrit scattered throughout the country in places such as Dingle, Janakpur and Dang. Nepal Sanskrit University College affiliated to the Sanskrit in Benares, India, was established Uttara Madhyarna offering in 1948 (Intermediate), Shastri (Bachelor) and Acharya (Masters) courses. According to Andrea Savada Matla, Nepal: A Country Study, before the Second World War (1939-45), some more middle and high schools were opened in Patan, Biratnagar, and several other cities, and a high school for girls opened its doors in the capital. Returning Gurkha soldiers, many of whom had gained literacy in the British army began to primary education children in their villages.

"Social History of Nepal" by TR Vaidya, Tri Ratna Manandhar and Shanker Lal Joshi tells the early history of education in Nepal. According to them, in 1932, Juddha Shamshere had given permission to open the first all girls school in Kathmandu in which students were trained in embroidery, needlework, weaving, etc, in addition to simple reading, writing and arithmetic. Interestingly, the first girl to pass School exams Leaving Certificate (SLC) was Rajya Laxmi Rana Lekha that went with the first division but presumably gave exams abroad. Nepal SLC Board Examination was founded in 1934 and 1948, the first group of girls to pass under his authority Angura Baba Joshi (the main time Padma Kanya Campus), Sahana Pradhan Devi (UML Leader and a minister many times), Rajya Laxmi Devi Shah and Sadhana Devi Bhuvana Pradhan (wife of the late Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Adhikari). Some schools at the beginning of Kathmandu Shantinikinya included Public School, a co-educational institution founded in 1945 and Biswaniketan and Schools, Sitaram who settled a year later. Padma Kanya School, founded in 1947, was the first known school girls high in Nepal. Another school for girls, Kanya Mandir, was also founded in that year.

One of the oldest co-educational private schools is Vanasthali Vidyashram which was established in 1951 in Balaju and is now known as Siddhartha Vanasthali Institute. Today day, has a large number of students, around 3000, and an outstanding record in terms of results concerns SLC. Bidyapeeth close Swaymabhunnath Anandakuti was established in January 1952 by the late Buddhist Mahasthavir Bikchhu Amritananda as boarding school. Despite a rich history, apparently, is not doing too well at the moment. Laboratory School near Tribhuvan University was established in 1956 with support from the U.S. government. The ex-Prince, Paras Shah, received his high school diploma here that was once known for its academic excellence that led to their students exceeding the time results SLC and time again. Over time, however, has lost much reports, their distinction and then, enrollment has also dropped significantly. Mahendra Bhawan Higher Secondary Girls' High School in Gaucher Kathmandu, another great school, was established in 1957 with the assistance of the Mission to Nepal. It is now a coeducational school with the name of Mahendra Bhawan School.

The Padma Shri high school was the first school to be established in Bhaktapur. Madhyamika School in Lalitpur Patan is also one of the first schools in the district. A of the largest high schools in Nepal, with more than 5,000 students is Adarsh Vidya Mandir was founded in 1965 in the capital. The school has been, unfortunately, in the news recently for the wrong reason – the kidnapping and murder in June 2009 of one of his students by a former teacher, whose accomplice was also a recent student fainted. Pokhara Gandaki Boarding school was established in 1966 with the help of the Mission to Nepal and the Hospital Luminoso. Another school is pioneering Kathmandu Kanti Ishwari Shishu Vidyalaya. Established in 1967, many of the children of the royal family completed their pre-primary and primary level of education here. Bal Batika Gyanodaya school began as a pre-primary school in 1975 and today is a truly comprehensive high school in Sanepar, Lalitpur. While an exclusive private school, its affiliate, the Gyanodaya Residential School, established in 1999 and is located in Bungamati, Khokana, is exclusively for boarders. Similarly, there are other schools, despite all located in Kathmandu, which have played a pioneering role in the educational history of Nepal and it would be difficult to list them all. However, one can say that development has been a constant a progressive.

San. Xavier and St. Mary were, for many years, the first schools of choice, and I dare say, will remain so greatly. His students have the who's who of Nepal, ranging from royalty to industry stalwarts and trade; considered highly professional diplomats senior bureaucrats and administrators. Without doubt, largely due to its location, the people of Kathmandu have had the greatest opportunity to be educated in these elite centers of learning. Budhanilkantha School is another of the country's elite schools. It was established in 1972 by initiative of the late King Mahendra as a company together with the UK government. Designated as a National School, the students are enrolled across the country and approximately one third of them study in scholarships for deserving and needy after a very selective entrance examination. Managed by the British head teachers during the first twenty years, objective of the school is to foster a sense of equality between rich and poor. Admission to this school, of course, is highly sought after mainly because many of its graduates have also been successful in winning scholarships to attend colleges and universities around the world.

Some other elite schools in the capital are those directed primarily to foreign students. One of them is the Lincoln College was founded in 1954. His average enrollment is 350 and according to school officials, the school often have students from 40 nationalities at any given time. Recent figures show the following proportions: 25% North America 28% Europe 20% Nepal, and 22% in other regions. As expected, the fee structure is steep with the annual tuition to $ 14,400 (approximately Rs. 11, 00000) for students middle school. Registration and entrance fees will cost another Rs. 3, 00, 000 or less. One wonders that Nepal can really afford to have their students study in this school. But apparently, there are, as indicated by the above figures. The British School, founded in 1967, charges around Rs. 7, 00, 000 annual registration for the middle classes and registration and deposit rate of development and reached nearly Rs. 4, 70, 000 per child at the same level. High costs no doubt, but then these schools for the rich "children expatriates. Another school once directed to children is modern expatriate Indian School, which was inaugurated by Jawaharlal Nehru Award winner, the late Shri Tulsi Mehar Shrestha, Chobhar in 1978 in Kathmandu. Originally aimed at providing quality education to the children of nationals of India acting in Nepal, little by little, a significant number of local children and others also have become part of their student population.

Angels school was established in 1981. The elementary school has a wing while the main campus Jhamsikhel Hattiban not only provides education through high school, but also beyond post-secondary levels. The school is higher secondary classes in science and commerce and flows BBIS BBA courses affiliated with the University Kathmandu. Little Angels School is undoubtedly one of the largest schools and the best in the country. It also has an excellent academic record, their students have spent more than two dozen times in the top-ten list of SLC graduates. School officials credit their success to several factors including: availability a well balanced and updated curriculum, dedicated teachers, adequate material resources and teaching materials, enabling infrastructure for the teaching-learning process and the application of sound planning and motivational programs.

Vidyasadan Brihaspati was established in 1985 by Maurice Banerjee, ex-school principal San Jose, Darjeeling. Currently a student of the force in 1260 classes from kindergarten to Class 12 and A Level. The school is divided into five wings, Primary, Secondary Basic, Medium, Senior Secondary, Higher Secondary Level A. Kumudini Homes, Pokhara, was founded in 1985 by K. Palikhe. Besides the fact that she is among a truly green environment, the school has earned a reputation as one of the best learning institutions in the country. Galaxy Public School, established in 1986, with nine students and two teachers, now has a student population of 3296 and a staff of 400 teachers. It runs classes from nursery to class 12 and in accordance with authorities school, the school offers much emphasis on preschool, kindergarten and primary education, as it believes that children are more impressionable when I was very young. The progress of the galaxy has been phenomenal in terms of curricular and extra-curricular activities. 17 students have been placed in the merit list so far SLC and the school has won many laurels in sports too.

The private education sector is really huge now and it appears that may soon be catchy names running out completely. And, as in other sectors, will be a few who manage to stand out for one reason or the other promoters (understanding, larger investment capacity, excellent infrastructure, international cooperation, etc..) A few that come to mind are Shuvatara School in Sanepar, Rato Bangala in Patan Dhoka, founded in 1992; Malpi International School (est.1991) in the district of Kavre, DAV School (est. 1993), which has schools in Kathmandu, Birganj, Sarlahi and Biratnagar, and Ullens School, established in 2006 in Khumaltar, Lalitpur. In fact, there are many schools that have most distinguished, and the only excuse that not mentioned this is because the shortage of space.

While on this subject, it might be pertinent to note that their students often appear in the top ten of examinations SLC Board, which usually have prompted a school in the spotlight. No wonder that most schools do what they have to make sure that some of his students have privileged here. Some are of the view that this need has made very exam-oriented education in the country at the expense of a more rounded. However, must appreciate the speed with which schools have developed in this country that has given rise to the net primary enrollment in schools to reach 89% in 2007, says report World Bank and the literacy rate up to a respectable 55.2%.

The first university in the country, Tri Chandra College, was founded in 1918. Prime Minister Rana, Chandra Shamsher, saw higher education as a threat to the monarchy and initially opposed the idea. However, he yielded to growing pressure, but they say he said in his inauguration, "With the opening of this university, I have hacked my own leg." For many years, tests were conducted by Patna University in India. Soon, Tri Chandra College was followed by other universities such as Padma Kanya College, Patan College, College Durbar, Nepal College National (later Shankar Dev Campus) and Amrit Science College, all in Kathmandu, Thakur Ram College in Birgunj, RR College in Janakpur, Mahendra Morang College Biratnagar and Tribhuvan College in Palpa. They also followed the curriculum of the University of Patna.

Tribhuvan University (TU) was founded in 1959 and was the only university until 1985. A World Bank report of 2005/2006 indicated that there were about 600 schools in Nepal in the year, with a figure of around 253 889 tuition to students of whom 91% were TU. The latest figures (2008/2009) 561 private universities spread across the country, are now TU members, in addition to its 60 campus constituents. The total number of students is 2, 90 833 and there are 7049 faculty members in its constituent campuses and five institutes: Institute of Science and Technology, Institute of Engineering, Institute of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Institute of Medicine and the Institute of Forestry and four faculties: Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Faculty of Management, Faculty of Education and the Faculty of Law.

Subsequently, the following universities also saw the light: Mahendra Sanskrit University (est.1986), Kathmandu University (est. 1991) with 8266 students, Purbanchal University (1994) with 8000 students, Pokhara University (1997) with 5400 students, Lumbini Bouddha University (2005), Mid Western University, Nepal Agriculture and Forestry University and the University of Siddhartha. Two academic institutions that are equivalent to universities are: BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (1993) and the National Academy of Medical Sciences (2002).

It is obvious that since schools have always been hotbeds of political activity and activism has often been the cause of profound political changes. One can find easily a long list of political leaders the final say on the myriad of political parties in Nepal, who were all once the student leaders. In fact, almost be taken for granted now that the presidents of student bodies sooner or later, become the ministers and even prime ministers. Former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba is a good example as Ram Chandra Poudyal, once a deputy prime minister and Bijay Kumar Gachhadar, the current deputy prime minister. All three were student leaders and Gachhadar fire, in fact, was shot in the head during the student elections in the 1980s in Morang Multiple Campus Biratnagar. The current Information Minister Shankar Pokharel, was once the president of the National Union of Students. Another former minister, Surendra Choudhary, earned his political credentials as a student leader while student at Birganj Thakur Ram Campus, one of the pioneer universities in the capital. Due to its relatively easy path to prominence, the fact that many people continue to have registered as students, even when they are well beyond their student days, so they remain the student leaders. All bodies of the association of students are offshoots of a political party or another, making the atmosphere of the university in the highly politicized. Union Election Students are considered the forerunners of the next general election – the union that wins a majority indicates which party will win the next election.

However, higher education, which was once limited to government schools and thus at the mercy of disruption due to political activism appellant, is now available in a large number of private institutions where student activism, even if present, is in a much lesser extent. However, as mentioned above, the vast majority of students seeking college degrees still attend government schools due to factors such as cost and convenience admission. In addition, there has been a spurt in specialized private institutions as well, so that medicine alone, there are 12 colleges across the country. Institute of Medicine, established in 1972 in Kathmandu is the country's premier medical institution and has 12 campuses throughout the country. Of course it is a positive development that should augur well for a great self-reliance in the field of medicine. At the same time, medical studies are not cheap and fees alone (without taking into account other important costs such as registration fees, lodging, books, etc.) may be somewhere in the range of Rs. 3 million for a degree program MBBS in private universities.

As regards engineering colleges, there are 20 institutions throughout the country providing programs in architecture civil engineering, computer engineering, electronics and communications, electrical and electronics, power engineering, civil engineering and rural etc. Institute of Engineering (IBE) was established in 1972 and is the institution of first class engineering in the country and has four campuses, namely Thapathali Campus, Pulchowk Campus, Campus of the Eastern Region and the Western Regional Campus. OIE also has the distinction of being judged as one of the best schools as in South Asia. The Nepal Engineering College (NEC), established in 1994, is the first engineering college in Nepal private. Engineering studies appear to be much more affordable rates NEC taking as an example: Rs. 3, 97,000 for BE (4 yrs.) Rs. 4, 41000 for BE (civil and rural areas – four and half years.) And Rs. 4 85,000 to B. Arc (5 years) ..

There are other specialized schools are good, the teaching of a large number of professional subjects. Yes, universities have also experienced significant growth and this bodes well for the country. At the same time, these institutions of higher education should be on their toes to see Now that the usual ills of campus government did not also infected. However, there is, to recognize that this was not always the case with universities from the government. Memory how proud my father was when I got admission Amrit Science College in the 1970s. It was the eminent university of the time and if we had to go by his students, we would see that is composed of many renowned professionals, managers and bureaucrats in their ranks. It was almost a given that most doctors and engineers the country would be the products of this university. The case is not the same now and maybe it's to be hoped that the old must give way to the new. Well, since there are so many good schools Now, perhaps one need not worry.

Nepal can really be proud of its development in the education sector. It was a good trip. But at the same time it is essential take account of the philosophy guiding statement by the experts (National Education Plan), "The primary goal of education is to teach reading, writing and arithmetic, and to instill discipline and hygiene. secondary education should emphasize character building, a positive attitude toward manual labor, and perseverance. upper secondary education should emphasize the needs of staff and preparation for higher education. "To what extent this philosophy is serving is a matter open to all parents: the government, educators, students and public. The criticism that education has become big business and fully oriented test is something we hear often. Another valid criticism is that the environment in schools and colleges are being tainted by politics. Thus, to maintain and sustain a remarkable progress in the education sector, these people need to look back, reflect and take corrective action when necessary. The mass exodus students going abroad each year for college is not a good development, but that is due in part to active politics so prevalent in our schools. But all said and done, there is much to celebrate in the success of Nepal in education. Success can only breed more success. If you do not believe it, read the following.

"A remarkable feature of education in the country has been the speed with which it has developed since 1952. Before the change of government in 1951, had 200 primary schools, 224 middle and high schools and a university in the country. There are now more than 5000 primary schools, 450 middle and high schools, and more than 30 colleges including a university. 'This is what W. consultant Olszak reported in 1966 while on a Mission Report called "Building Schools of Engineering in Nepal. "This year, the Ministry of Education Report 2008/2009 Flash reports that there are 31 156 schools in the country today, with more than 600 schools and over half dozen universities. I wonder what W. Olszak say now?

About the Author

The Dark Mermaid – Amar B Shrestha is the author of this bestselling book which is available worldwide and in the Library of Congress, Washington as well as in libraries of leading American universities like Yale, Chicago, Cornell, UNC, Duke, etc, and in Singapore National Library.

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