KATHMANDU: Kathmandu Metropolitan City has started sending 52 children from families currently housed in a holding center to school from Tuesday, in a move aimed at integrating them into the formal education system.
The children belong to 66 families relocated from informal settlements in areas including Thapathali, Gairigaun, and Sinamangal during riverbank clearance operations. They are currently staying at Radhaswami Satsang Beas Ashram.
According to the metropolitan office, all 52 school-age children will attend Janakalyan Secondary School, which is located within walking distance from the ashram. The decision was taken after the Education Department held consultations with both students and their parents on Monday to assess their needs and preferences.
30 opt for hostel facility
Officials said 30 of the school-age children have expressed interest in studying while staying in hostel facilities, based on their parents’ consent. Among them are 11 girls and 19 boys. However, some children have shown reluctance to stay in hostels, said Sushil Subedi, a senior section officer at the Education Department.
The metropolitan office is also collecting details to arrange necessary uniforms and educational materials for the students.
Director Basanta Acharya said coordination is underway with private school networks such as Private and Boarding Schools’ Organization Nepal, National Private and Boarding Schools’ Association Nepal, and Higher Institutions and Secondary Schools’ Association Nepal to provide residential education opportunities for children above 10 years of age. Eligible students will be enrolled in hostels once vacancies in private schools are confirmed.
Skill training planned for SEE graduates
Four students at the holding center who appeared in this year’s Secondary Education Examination (SEE) have expressed interest in skill-based training such as computer studies and tailoring.
Education officer Namraj Dhakal said arrangements will be made to provide training based on their interests.
Earlier on Sunday, acting mayor Sunita Dangol held discussions with representatives of educational institutions, urging them to support children from genuine landless families with free residential education. Following the meeting, organizations including HISSAN, PABSON, NPABSON, and APEN issued a joint statement expressing their readiness to assist.
At present, a total of 203 individuals, including three new mothers, two pregnant women, and one person with a disability, are residing at the Radhaswami Ashram facility.
Comment