Ladkeshwor School, located in the rural community of Nepane in Balthali, Kavrepalanchok, is a government school serving children from the surrounding communities. The school is situated in a mountainous area approximately 45 kilometres from Kathmandu and has historically served families from predominantly Tamang communities, where access to quality education has been a continuing challenge.
For MySmallHelp Nepal, Ladkeshwor School represents more than a school-building project. It is an example of how cooperation between local communities, government authorities and international supporters can create lasting opportunities for children in rural Nepal.
Building a Better School
Before the construction project, children in Nepane faced limited educational facilities. Recognising the importance of creating a safe and suitable learning environment, MySmallHelp Nepal, with support from Friends For Global Change (FFGC), USA, and the District Education Office, Kavre, worked together to construct a new school building.
The new four-room school building was completed in 2015, providing much-needed classroom space for children in the community. The project was an important step towards improving access to education and strengthening the local school infrastructure.
The partnership with Friends For Global Change has continued beyond the construction of the building. The organisation has remained an important supporter of MySmallHelp’s educational and community initiatives in Nepal.
From Infrastructure to Quality Education
After the new school building was established, MySmallHelp and its partners recognised that a good physical environment was only the beginning. The next challenge was to improve the quality of education and the overall learning environment.
To address this need, the Child Friendly Educational Program was launched at Ladkeshwor School in April 2017 with support from Friends For Global Change, USA.
As part of the program, MySmallHelp hired two additional teachers to strengthen teaching and learning at the school. The program also introduced activities designed to make learning more enjoyable, engaging and child-centred. These included singing, dancing, yoga, art and other extracurricular activities.
Over the following years, the program contributed to noticeable improvements in the school environment, children’s behaviour and their educational experience. The initiative demonstrated that improving education requires not only classrooms and buildings, but also motivated teachers, appropriate learning materials and opportunities for children to learn creatively.
Supporting Children During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic created significant challenges for children and schools across Nepal. Ladkeshwor School was closed for more than ten months during the pandemic.
Despite the disruption, MySmallHelp Nepal continued supporting the Child Friendly Educational Program until November 2020. MySmallHelp also provided children with improved books, exercise copies and other study materials so that they could continue learning as much as possible during this difficult period.
A Continuing Partnership
The relationship between MySmallHelp Nepal and Friends For Global Change has developed over many years and extends beyond Ladkeshwor School. Friends For Global Change has supported a range of education and community initiatives implemented by MySmallHelp in Nepal.
The Ladkeshwor project demonstrates the value of this long-term partnership: an investment that began with the construction of classrooms developed into a broader effort to improve teaching quality, learning opportunities and the educational environment for children.
Friends For Global Change has also continued to support initiatives connected with Ladkeshwor School. In recent years, the organisation has been involved in efforts to address school facilities and improve the learning environment, reflecting the continuing commitment to the children and community of Nepane.
The Impact
The Ladkeshwor School project has helped create a stronger foundation for education in a rural community where opportunities have historically been limited.
The project has:
- Provided a four-room school building for the local community.
- Improved the physical environment in which children learn.
- Supported the introduction of a Child Friendly Educational Program.
- Provided funding for two additional teachers.
- Introduced creative and extracurricular learning activities.
- Provided books, exercise copies and educational materials.
- Strengthened cooperation between the local community, government education authorities, MySmallHelp Nepal and Friends For Global Change, USA.
Today, Ladkeshwor School remains a reminder of what can be achieved when people and organisations work together with a shared commitment to children’s education.
Looking Ahead
MySmallHelp Nepal remains committed to supporting education in communities where children and families have fewer opportunities. The experience of Ladkeshwor School has reinforced an important lesson: sustainable educational development requires both infrastructure and investment in people.
The partnership that helped build classrooms has grown into a wider commitment to improving children’s educational opportunities. MySmallHelp hopes to continue working with local communities and international partners to strengthen Ladkeshwor School and help ensure that children in Nepane have access to a safe, supportive and quality education.
Ladkeshwor School is not simply a building. It is a story of partnership, opportunity and hope for the children of Nepane.
