UWS Nepal organized a three-day campaign to mark World Environment Day from June 5-7, 2024, aligning with the theme of “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience (Our Land, Our Future).” This campaign aimed to raise awareness and promote sustainable practices for a greener and safer future. Students from all UWS Nepal schools in Gulmi, Sankhuwasabha, Taplejung, and Bhojpur, along with their parents/guardians, teachers, and School Management Committee (SMC) members actively participated in this collective and transformative campaign to preserve our environment.

The campaign kicked off on June 5th in all UWS Nepal schools. Students and teachers championed rallies in their communities, staged plays in their schools and communities, chanted slogans, and called for attention to protect our land for a better future. Teachers informed the students about the harmful effects of soil degradation, the importance of waste management, and biodiversity conservation.

On June 6th, the campaign highlighted the importance of rainwater collection. Students participated in a demonstration led by the teachers to understand the concept of rainwater harvesting. They also brought small unused pots or bowls to collect water for birds and animals, practicing the value of reusing and repurposing non-biodegradable items lying in their homes. This activity cultivated empathy in students for nature’s beings.

On June 7th, students participated in an art, essay, poem, and speech competition aligned with the World Environment Day theme. Students from all UWS Nepal schools showcased their creativity. A special assembly was held, and the best pieces were recognized. Students also participated in the “One Student, One Plant” initiative, where every student brought a plant to school and participated in plantation activities. The day concluded with a cleanliness drive to promote a cleaner and greener school environment.

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In a bid to further learn and improve Gulmi’s educational landscape, the Sherborne Qatar team began on a meaningful journey, engaging themselves with the school communities of UWS Jaisithok, UWS Badagaun, and UWS Bulma. This expedition was characterized by profound student interactions, shared experiences with school leadership, active community engagement, and insightful classroom observations.

The visit, which spanned several days, provided an enriching platform for fostering connections and understanding the educational ecosystem of Gulmi. From engaging discussions with students to collaborative sessions with school authorities, the Sherborne Qatar team delved into every aspect of the educational journey.

In addition to their school visits, the team made significant contributions to the three-day “Train the Trainer” program held in Gulmi. The program, aimed at enhancing primary education across Nepal, empowering educators from UWS and non-UWS program schools.

The sessions, conscientiously crafted to address key aspects of primary education, focused on value-led teaching approaches, exchange of innovative methods and practices, the pivotal role of teachers, strategies for student engagement, and fostering an inclusive environment, including understanding Special Educational Needs.

The UWS Nepal team is grateful for the collaboration with the Sherborne Qatar Team. Their invaluable contribution to the ‘Train the Trainer’ program highlights our collective effort to strengthen educational systems across Nepal. Through such initiatives, we aim to ensure lasting impact and equitable access to quality education for all.

The UWS Cambodia team recently embarked on a transformative Learning Exchange in Nepal, where they visited UWS Badagaun, UWS Jaisithok, UWS Saunethum, and UWS Bulma in the Gulmi district. Despite the diverse contexts of these schools, a common thread emerged as the team delved into UWS Projects and Programs. The team engaged in dynamic discussions with various stakeholders, fostering a rich exchange of insights and experiences.

Actively immersing themselves in the local educational landscape, the UWS Cambodia team held meaningful discussions with key stakeholders, including the School Management Committee (SMC), Parents Teachers Association (PTA), Mothers’ Group, and Girls’ Club. Additionally, interactions with the Ward Head and local representatives provided valuable perspectives on the school environment, educational programs and practices, community engagement, and the sustainability of educational initiatives across these distinct schools.

This Learning Exchange was not just a mere exchange of information; it was a collaborative exploration of shared challenges, successes, and innovative practices. The cross-cultural dialogue has not only strengthened the ties between UWS Cambodia and UWS Nepal but has also laid the foundation for a more interconnected and supportive global educational community. This experience exemplifies UWS’s commitment to continuous learning, collaboration, and the collective pursuit of sustainable and impactful educational programs.

The UWS Nepal team recently came together for an incredible two-day session of the “UWS Nepal Journey to 2030” from January 7 to 9, 2024. This event served as a pivotal moment for our team to collectively reflect on UWS Nepal’s past 8 years and strategically plot the course for the dynamic 7 years that lie ahead. The engaging discussions on synergy, leadership, and vision illuminated the collaborative spirit that has been the driving force behind our numerous achievements. Participants actively contributed to shaping the future of UWS Nepal through interactive workshops, fostering a culture of collaboration and dedication within the team.

The remarkable synergy, leadership, and shared vision displayed by the UWS Nepal team during the event were truly remarkable. As we looked back on our incredible 8-year journey, it became evident that every member’s dedication and collaborative spirit shone brightly, creating an inspiring atmosphere. The interactive workshops provided a platform for individuals to contribute their perspectives, ideas, and skills, underscoring the passion that propels our mission forward.

This celebration was not just a reflection on the past but a collective commitment to an exciting journey towards 2030, with every member playing a crucial role in shaping the organisation’s future. Here’s to an exciting journey towards 2030!

UWS Nepal, dedicated to promoting quality and inclusive education, successfully concluded a series of collaborative events with local government authorities and educational stakeholders in Taplejung, Sankhuwasabha, and Gulmi Districts. These initiatives aimed to strengthen community mechanisms, share best practices, and cultivate sustainable partnerships to improve education in remote and hard-to-reach communities.

The inaugural collaborative event took place in Fungling, Taplejung, on December 5, 2023, drawing a diverse group of 54 participants. Subsequently, a similar event unfolded in Gulmi on December 17, 2023, and the third event was held in Khandbari, Sankhuwasabha on December 23, 2023, attracting 65 participants.

During these events, representatives from local government authorities, educational stakeholders, and coordinators from social development committees engaged in discussions centred around UWS Nepal’s educational programs and projects, emphasising collaboration for the promotion of quality and inclusive education in the respective districts.

A notable outcome of these events was the formation of an Inclusive Working Group (IWG) in each district. The IWG, focused on sharing insights from UWS Nepal’s UKAM R5 project, aims to specifically improve the education system for girls.

Scheduled to meet every six months for the next two years, the IWG will share best practices and provide policy-level recommendations to local government authorities, contributing to the continuous enhancement of the education system with a specific focus on girls’ education.

UWS Nepal remains committed to driving positive change in education through strategic collaborations and inclusive initiatives. We look forward to the sustained impact of these events, fostering a culture of learning and cooperation for the advancement of education in Nepal.

Taplejung Event: LINK

Gulmi Event: LINK

Sankhuwasabha Event: LINK

Undeterred by the challenges, these students took charge by organising home visits, conducting door-to-door campaigns, and raising awareness about the plight of the earthquake victims. Their efforts transcended mere fundraising; they aimed to ignite a sense of empathy and communal responsibility among their peers and the wider community.

Their proactive involvement in humanitarian efforts stands as a testament to the spirit of kindness and empathy fostered within the UWS Sathtare community. Through their initiative, these compassionate children have not only raised funds but have also spread a message of hope, proving that even the smallest gestures can make a profound difference in the lives of those affected by adversity.

The training agenda encompassed a diverse spectrum of sessions, catering to various facets of professional development. Fellows engaged in hands-on sessions, delving into teaching methods, practical involvement in educational initiatives, and action plan preparations. Special emphasis was placed on the STEAM Club, emphasising the integration of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics into their teaching approach.

The week wasn’t just about conventional training modules; it was an immersive experience. Events like the “gallery walk” stood out, where fellows crafted narratives depicting their fellowship journey, transforming the office space into a walking gallery filled with personal stories and milestones.

Another highlight was the alumni meet, where current fellows had the chance to connect with past alumni, exchanging experiences, and gaining invaluable insights from those who had previously walked the same path. These interactions added depth and perspective, enriching the training with real-life anecdotes and lessons learned from the field.

The collective impact of these training programs was transformative. It wasn’t just about skill enhancement; it was about shared experiences, forging connections, and amplifying the sense of purpose. The training culminated as a resounding success, leaving the fellows reinvigorated, armed with newfound energy, and ignited with a fresh wave of enthusiasm to further their teaching journey.

Visit the link on more details on the event.

The UWS Nepal team underwent intensive Capacity Enhancement and Refresher Training from October 30 to November 3, 2023. This transformative training aimed to equip team members and Education Officers (EOs) with vital skills and knowledge for their roles.

The comprehensive training encompassed diverse sessions tailored to different aspects of professional development. The staff had the opportunity to attend sessions covering crucial topics such as storytelling, procurement, project management systems, and leveraging social media for branding. These sessions were led by the Country Director, Surya Karki; Head of Programmes, Avinash Jha; and the trainers Saurav Thapa Shrestha and Shailendra Jha, offering a holistic perspective on varied subjects.

Specifically tailored sessions on Reporting Guidelines, Child Functioning Assessment, Stakeholder Engagement, and consultation were exclusively provided to the Education Officers. These sessions delved deeper into specialised areas directly impacting their fieldwork, enabling them to enhance their effectiveness in the field.

The training equipped the staff with new skills and invigorated them with a fresh perspective and mindset. The training seemed like a “much-needed brain workout,” the sessions provided valuable tools and insights to navigate challenges and opportunities in the education sector.

Overall, the Capacity Enhancement and Refresher Training proved to be a pivotal event, fostering a sense of renewed energy and competence among the UWS Kathmandu team, essential for furthering their mission of providing quality education to underserved communities.

Visit the link for more pictures from the event.