TFN holds welcome, farewell program

Published On: April 9, 2017 11:35 PM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

Dinesh Gole/Republica Students from Dhanusa performing dance during the annual program of Teach for Nepal at Academy Hall, Kathmandu, on Sunday.

KATHMANDU, April 9:Teach for Nepal (TFN) organized a program in Kathmandu on Sunday to bid farewell to its third cohort and welcome a new batch of fellows.

Speaking at the event held under the theme “One day all children in Nepal will receive an excellent education”, Shanta Nagarkoti, a 16-year-old student, said: “There are so many hardworking and passionate children capable of changing the development scenario of the country, but all they need is education and opportunity.”

Nagarkoti, who passed her school level education last year from Buddha Secondary School, Tika Bhairab, Lalitpur, was the first from her family to appear and pass the School Leaving Certificate examinations. She recently won UWC Scholarship to Germany at the initiation of TFN, which has deputed its fellows to her school.

TFN sends it's fellows to various schools in Lalitpur, Dhanusha and Sindhupalchowk districts where they share their skills and knowledge with the students.

Apart from helping them with their studies, TFN also teaches the students to become financially independent by engaging them in various activities, such as mushroom farming.

On the occasion, Honorary Consul General of Nepal in Republic of Belarus Dr. Upendra Mahato, said: “It is not possible to bring change in Nepal without educating the children across the country, as they are the pillars of development.”

Mahato, who was born to farmer's family in Siraha, added: “I remember how our house used to be occupied by food grains, and how I was expelled from the school just because my parents had no money to pay for my fees.”

According to Mahato, lack of schools is no more a problem in most of the rural areas but utilization of knowledge has been a major challenge due to the lack of opportunities and market.

He appreciated the TFN fellows who have dedicated themselves to guiding teachers as well as students, and teaching them how to make the best use of their skills.

Addressing the fellows, CEO and Co-founder of TFN Shishir Khanal said: “If you light a lamp for others, you will light your own way too so keep up the good work!”