Donate Now Fellowship in Action: Reimagining Learning at UWS Talung
Ramesh Bishwokarma, the new Head Teacher at UWS Talung (Shree Singh Bahini Adharbhut School), has 13 years of experience in education. Living in Shadananda Municipality, Dingla Bazaar, Ward 7, he succeeded Bhim Raj Shrestha in leading the school.
He shares that UWS fellows have brought long-lasting change to the school. “Students now perform better, come to school regularly, and most importantly, enjoy learning,” he says. Challenges such as poor hygiene, irregular attendance, and high dropout rates have been significantly improved. Today, the school welcomes 10–15 new students each year, reflecting the growing trust within the community.
The current fellow, Rishi Raj Magar, now in his third year of the Fellowship, has become a deeply respected figure in the school and the surrounding community. A 5th cohort fellow, Rishi Raj, brings creativity and structure to his teaching. He has introduced a Reward Chart system, an academic calendar, and classroom/exam timetables, helping to shift learning from rote memorisation to more conceptual and practical understanding. He also collects guardian contact details to follow up on absentees, creating a more accountable learning environment.
“Rishi Raj is a role model,” says Bishwokarma. “Before he joined, managing with only four teachers was tough. With him, we now have five, allowing us to assign one teacher per grade and provide better attention to students.”
Rishi Raj’s classroom promotes two-way communication. His daily “Question of the Day” game, general knowledge sessions, and creative activities, such as dance, poetry, and music, have made learning more dynamic and engaging. He has also started a school newsletter and enhanced the ECD room with murals, posters, and colourful visuals.
His approach is rooted in practical learning. “He focuses on interaction, not just theory,” explains Bishwokarma. “He encourages students to think critically and learn through hands-on activities.”
Outside the classroom, Rishi Raj has a deep connection with the community. He organises tutoring and revision sessions, especially for academically weaker students, and closely tracks their progress. He holds regular meetings with the Mothers’ Group and Girls’ Club to raise awareness on girls’ education, early marriage, and gender equality.
Bishwokarma believes capacity-building is key to sustaining this impact. He recommends regular training for fellows on subject content, classroom management, and student engagement strategies. He also suggests prioritising local fellows who understand the terrain, culture, and language. “Fellows from Talung would adapt faster and build deeper trust with the community,” he adds. “It would make their work more sustainable.”