Still tangled in the web of the Chaupadi tradition, this periodic absence has become a huge hindrance in the education of the female students.[break]
Talking to Republica, teacher Rup Bahadur Nepali said that most of the girls are absent for at least five days while going through their monthly period.
“This means, if they skip five class days a month it is 60 days in a year, which is a big void in their education,” said Nepali. Girls can start to have their monthly period when they reach the age of 10.
Explaining the problem, chairperson of PISWIN Bajura, Ram Bahadur Rawat, said, “We have been informing and educating the locals about such traditional practices but to wipe them off their minds is not an easy job."
"Regardless of our efforts, this form of Chaupadi is still alive among the locals,” said Rawat. Masta and Benughati temples are located inside the school compound.
Rejina Adile, a student at the school, believes that the deities at the temple will punish her if she goes near the school compound during her period. “Last time I went to school in defiance of this belief, and I started to suffer severe stomach pain and headaches and lost my appetite. These ailments stopped after I stayed home and took a rest,” she said.
A local man, Lok Bahadur Adile, said they had to worship at the temples and offer animal sacrifice to pacify the deities.
Constructed by the district education office (DEO) nearly two years ago, there are currently 500 students at the school. A total of Rs 1.3 million was spent on the building.
“Two buildings at the school are out of use because many students shun them, fearing the supernatural powers of the temples,” said Lok.
A social worker, Pradip Raj Joshi, said that they have been trying to find a new location for the school. “It would be better to shift the school to another place before the future of the students comes under threat,” said Joshi.
Related story
RSP Chair Lamichhane’s campaign event barred in Nawalparasi Wes...
