KATHMANDU: The number of new students enrolling in Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) community schools has increased significantly compared to previous years. On the occasion of Saraswati Puja, 1,115 children began their literacy programs this year, the KMC Education Department reported.
According to Keshav Gyawali, Acting Chief of the Education Department, this year’s figure is 144 more than last year, when 971 children participated in literacy initiation. Of the new enrollees, 525 are girls and 590 are boys.
Kathmandu has 87 community schools, though schools inside correctional facilities do not offer Early Childhood Development (ECD) classes. The remaining schools have ECD programs in place.
During the literacy program at Gyanodaya Secondary School, KMC Acting Chief Sunita Dangol highlighted the municipality’s focus on creating a child-friendly environment to support holistic development from an early age.
“Policies, plans, and programs have been designed to produce competitive human resources through community schools. Investments in resources, infrastructure, and human resource development have been increased to ensure excellent results from these schools,” she said.
Among the schools with the highest number of new enrollees are Gyanodaya Secondary School in Wafal with 87 students, Nilbarahi Secondary School in Tankeshwor with 50 students, and Bhanu Secondary School in Ranipokhari with 42 students.
The rising enrollment in ECD classes is attributed to the municipality’s management of facilitators according to student numbers, enhancing child-centered learning and attracting more young learners.
Gyawali added that classrooms have been prepared for children wishing to continue regular schooling, with formal admissions scheduled for the month of Baisakh
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