Future Uncertain
The closure of private schools in various districts throughout the country has forced many to leave the country for studies
By THAKUR AMGAI
Dozens of private schools across the country have been forced to close down because of the threats from the Maoist-affiliated student union.
According to PABSON- an umbrella organization of Private schools in the country- private schools in Ilam, Panchthar, Dhankuta, Tehrathum, Rupandehi, Palpa, Lamjung, Gorkha, Nawalparasi, and Baglung districts have been closed following threats from ANNFSU-R, the Maoists’ student wing.
Over 300 schools are closed in Baglung and Nawalparasi after the Maoists announced that the schools compulsorily start lessons in “janabadi” (pro-people) education and students should join their ‘people’s militia.’
Schools in Illam district that were closed a few weeks earlier for one-week by PABSON following the threats from the Maoists not to open the schools, have not opened yet.
Schools in Lamjung, Gorkha and Baglung were closed after the Maoists exploded bombs in the school premises.
According to Lakshya Bahadur K. C., one of the office bearers of PABSON, about 200 to 500 schools have closed down across the country following Maoist threats or bombing of schools by the Maoists.
At least 1.5 million students study in over 8,500 private schools in Nepal , PABSON said. Private schools have been providing employment to over 175,000 persons.
Earlier this academic year the All Nepal National Free Students Union - Revolutionary (ANNFSU-R) had called all the private schools of the country to shut down alleging the private school operators to be 'profit-oriented' and demanding their nationalization.
After repeated requests from civil society, government, international organizations and the private school owners not to shut down the schools, the ANNFSU-R had called off the closure. However, now the students wing at district level has continued to close down the schools, blast explosives at schools and hold mass meetings in schools.
"Despite our request not to close the schools and reminding that it is not on their central level program, they replied to us that they would close the schools where they could," said Lakshya Bahadur K. C. "It has created a lot of confusion and the students are being forced to migrate to safer places."
PABSON has appealed to the government, human rights activists, among others, to create a favorable teaching-learning environment in schools.
According to a newspaper report from the far west, hundreds of students were seen crossing the border en masse through rickshaw. Similar situation prevails in the eastern region.
"We have estimated that about 20,000 students have gone abroad this season alone," said K.C. Most of these students are from the eastern and far western regions. The private schools in Kathmandu valley, however, are not affected by the closures.
The disturbance in the education sector coincides with the admission time in Indian schools. Indian schools from as near as Darjeeling and Nainital to as far as South India are now tapping the 'opportunity' to attract the students in their schools. There have been reports that the number of Nepalese students has largely increased this year in the schools of Nainital and other nearby areas.
Jaya Raj Acharya, a former diplomat and the principal of Nobel Academy says, "The closure of schools forces those who can afford to go to places like Nainital, Kharsang, Chennai etc, for studies. Those who cannot afford join the government schools or just drop out."
In addition to the students, the closure of schools has affected the investors and employees and also the national economy. "The resources are drained out and the students are deprived of the quality in education," Acharya added.
In such a situation the government is not doing much to solve the problem. The private school owners point at the government for indirectly causing the problem. "The government has not made the role of private schools clear. There are no acts, laws, plans and policies to guide the private schools," said an operator of a renowned school.
Experiences Of SLC Students
By NIRAKAR POUDEL
Six weeks have passed since SLC examination completed. Three lakh students who appeared for the annual exam are waiting for their results with bated breaths. Achieving good marks in SLC, which is even considered as Iron Gate in our country, is a matter of pride in our society.
Two months after the examinations, students are anxious about the results. During this period, most of the students of urban area join different courses and also involve in various extra curricular activities like music, sports, body-building in order to make use of their leisure time. After one year of hard work and dedication, the students have the opportunity to take pleasure in their two-month long vacation for enjoyment as well as refreshment.
There are many private institutions that run bridge course classes to link the curriculum gap between secondary and higher secondary level. Many students join these classes to learn some portion of courses of A-level, Intermediate level and grade eleven and twelve so that it would be easier for them in future. There are also institutions that conduct entrance preparation classes to make students ready for the entrance and familiar with all the questions that might be asked. Students who want to get admitted in the reputed and best schools join these preparation classes.
These days it is very essential to have basic knowledge about computers. Students also join computer classes to know fundamentals of computer, learn different programming languages, word processors and database.
This time is also utilized to pursue extra curricular interests. Students having interests in music join music classes. Some join fitness centers, swimming classes, sports classes for physical fitness and entertainment. One can also utilize his/her holiday by traveling and enjoying the beauty of nature. It is the best period for traveling because in college days, the student would not get such a long vacation. There are many beautiful places in Nepal. One need to travel to those beautiful places for exposure and refreshment. After more than ten years of school life, students are also curious about how their college life will be. Some also spend their whole day watching television.
Students also face hard time choosing subjects of their interest. A student needs to choose the subject, which he feels is easy and enjoys. Parents should not interfere in this decision - rather they should play the role of informed guide. If a student is forced to choose the subject in which he/she has no preference, then he/she may not succeed in studies in future.
Every student needs to make use of this period in various creative works. Student should not only waste this vacation watching television, sleeping and playing games. We must read different novels, stories and books in this period to widen our horizon.
Every parent needs to encourage their children to involve in extra activities. In this free period parents also need to take care of their children and prevent them from getting involved in drug addiction and other bad practice. One must utilize this short period for maximum benefit so that this vacation will be a memorable one and not a disappointing one.
