Kathmandu | 17–19 July 2026

The first Saathi Teachers' Quarterly Training of 2083 concluded successfully after three days of collaborative learning, professional development, and meaningful reflection. Held at the GAN Learning Centre, the training brought together 29 Saathi Teachers serving in schools across rural Nepal, creating a valuable opportunity to reconnect, strengthen teaching practice, and prepare for the coming academic quarter.

The programme began on 17 July with a strong focus on reflection and community. Teachers shared their classroom experiences, celebrated successes, discussed challenges, and exchanged practical strategies drawn from their own teaching contexts. More than a professional development event, the Quarterly Training reaffirmed that every Saathi Teacher is part of a supportive learning community committed to improving education for children.

The opening day also featured an inspiring reflection session with Mr Shuhendra Man Shrestha, Chair of the Board at GAN, and Mr Shree Krishna Wenju, Director of GAN, who engaged in open discussions with teachers about the realities of teaching in rural schools. The day concluded with an educational visit to the Mathematics Laboratory at Hilltown School, Kirtipur, where participants were warmly welcomed by Honourable Hira Bahadur Maharjan, former Vice Chancellor of Tribhuvan University, Mr Rajan Tendukar, Principal of Hilltown School, and Mr Ramesh Prasad Awasthi, President of the Council for Mathematics Education. The visit offered valuable insights into innovative approaches to mathematics education and inspired teachers to explore new possibilities for their own classrooms.

On 18 July, the training focused on strengthening classroom practice through subject-specific pedagogy and leadership development. Professor Laxman Luitel facilitated an engaging Mathematics session that encouraged teachers to make mathematics more interactive and meaningful for children. Mrs Anupama Mukhia led an English teaching session, introducing creative strategies and classroom activities to enhance language learning.

Teachers also participated in the motivational session "Leader in You," facilitated by Mr Jigme Sherpa, which encouraged participants to move beyond saying "I want to" and instead commit with "I will." The session reinforced the importance of initiative, responsibility, and leadership in creating positive change within schools and communities. The day concluded with collaborative planning for the upcoming trimester, allowing teachers to translate new ideas into practical classroom action.

The final day, 19 July, centred on effective classroom management, multi-grade teaching, and student assessment. Ms Prema Budhathoki led an interactive session on Positive Behaviour Management, demonstrating how storytelling and role play can be used to address behavioural challenges while building trust, empathy, and positive learning environments.

Teachers then participated in a highly engaging Grade Teaching session facilitated by Ms Meena Sharma and Ms Binita Shakya from Ullens School. Through collaborative discussions and inquiry-based activities, participants reflected on the realities of teaching multi-grade classrooms, explored common challenges, and shared practical solutions from their own experiences.

The programme concluded with a session on the Continuous Assessment System (CAS) facilitated by Mr Medin Lamichhane, Chief Academic Officer of the Ullens Education Foundation. He encouraged teachers to view assessment as an ongoing process that supports children's learning and growth rather than relying solely on traditional examinations.

Beyond the formal learning sessions, the Quarterly Training also celebrated the importance of community and togetherness. Participants enjoyed a World Cup Football Quiz, followed by a live screening of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final, providing a memorable conclusion to three rewarding days of learning and fellowship.

As the training came to a close, Saathi Teachers returned to their respective schools equipped with fresh ideas, practical teaching strategies, renewed motivation, and a strengthened sense of purpose. The Quarterly Training continues to serve as an important platform for professional growth, peer learning, and collaboration, ensuring that teachers are better prepared to create engaging, inclusive, and child-centred classrooms across rural Nepal.

The Saathi Teachers Programme extends its heartfelt gratitude to all guest facilitators, partners, and supporters who generously shared their knowledge and expertise throughout the training. Special appreciation goes to the dedicated Saathi team—Sujit Rai, Aruna Shrestha, Safina Maharjan, Roman Shrestha, and Sneha Shrestha—whose commitment and behind-the-scenes efforts ensured the successful delivery of the programme.

Together, we continue building stronger educators, stronger classrooms, and brighter futures for children across Nepal.

Kathmandu, Nepal – The Saathi Teachers Programme marked a significant milestone by celebrating the successful completion of the two-year teaching journey of 12 teachers from its 5th cohort while officially welcoming members of the 7th cohort who are preparing to begin their service in rural primary schools.

The event brought together graduating teachers, incoming fellows, alumni, advisors, supporters, and partners to recognize the impact of the programme in strengthening primary education and improving learning outcomes for children in rural communities.

Over the past two years, the graduating Saathi teachers have served in rural primary schools, demonstrating dedication, resilience, and a strong commitment to ensuring quality education for young learners. Their efforts have contributed not only to classroom learning but also to the broader development of the communities they served.

The programme also welcomed a new generation of educators from the 7th cohort, who will continue the mission of supporting rural schools through collaboration with local governments and school communities. Their journey begins in the upcoming academic year with the shared goal of creating positive learning environments for children.

A highlight of the celebration was the participation of numerous Saathi alumni, many of whom have chosen to pursue teaching as a full-time profession. Alumni shared experiences from their classrooms, reflected on their educational impact, and encouraged incoming teachers to embrace the challenges and rewards of the profession. Their presence showcased the growing network of educators committed to advancing quality education across Nepal.

The programme was honored by the presence of Mr. Gagan Thapa, long-time supporter and advisor of the Saathi Teachers Programme, who attended as the Chief Guest. Despite his busy national responsibilities, he joined the event to listen to and celebrate the stories of young educators dedicated to making a difference in children's lives.

The event also featured remarks from Dr. Meenakshi Dahal, advisor to the programme, who has consistently supported Saathi teachers through various training initiatives. Speaking on the theme “Building a Career in Education,” she encouraged participants to view teaching as a meaningful and impactful lifelong profession.

The Saathi Teachers Programme expressed its sincere appreciation to local government partners, national and international supporters, and friends of the programme whose continued collaboration and support make the initiative possible. Gratitude was also extended to all attendees who joined the celebration and recognized the achievements and impact of the Saathi community.

Special recognition was given to the programme’s dedicated team, whose hard work and commitment behind the scenes played a vital role in making the event successful and memorable.

As the 7th cohort prepares to begin its journey in the coming academic year, the Saathi Teachers Programme looks ahead with optimism and renewed determination to continue supporting quality education in rural Nepal.

The journey continues.

As part of the Saathi Teachers Programme, a four-day Mid-Year Training was successfully organized from 29th October till 1st November, bringing together 30 Saathi Teachers from Tripurasundari, Anbookhaireni, and Panchpokhari Thangpal Rural Municipalities.

The training served as a platform for learning, sharing, and growth, aiming to strengthen the Saathi Teachers community, enhance classroom practices, and support their personal and professional development.

Day 1: Reflection and Sharing

The training began with a day of reflection, where Saathi Teachers shared their classroom and community experiences. The day also featured an exchange learning session with our partner organization, the Interhands Foundation.

Mr. Jon and Mrs. Mette gave an insightful presentation about Norway and its education system, which proved to be highly informative and engaging for the Saathi Teachers.

Saathi Teachers from each cluster also shared their individual journeys; highlighting their best teaching practices, key learnings, and classroom challenges. These reflections were followed by group discussions, which encouraged deeper exploration of innovative ideas and collaborative learning.

Later, Mr. Kiran Maharjan facilitated a session on Student Counseling, guiding teachers on effective ways to support positive student behaviour.

Day 2: Subject Enrichment

The second day focused on subject enrichment, designed to deepen teachers’ understanding of core concepts and strengthen classroom delivery.
In English, Ms. Hadasaah Dona Karthak led an engaging session on Language Functions, while Mr. Tej Prakash Gautam conducted a session on Mental Maths, introducing fun and interactive strategies to make mathematics more engaging for students.

Day 3: Skill Building

The third day highlighted professional skill building. Mr. Ankit Bhattrai facilitated a session on Report Writing for the 6th Cohort, while Mr. Jigme Sherpa led a session on CV Writing for the 5th Cohort, helping Saathi Teachers strengthen their reflective and professional writing skills. 
This was followed by a creative session on Teaching Art from Basic Shapes, facilitated by Mr. Basu Kshitiz, encouraging teachers to integrate art-based learning in their classrooms.
A special note of gratitude goes to Mr. Sudharshan Sidgel for his unwavering support throughout the training.

Day 4: Outdoor Learning

The final day featured Outdoor Learning, starting with a Power Mapping session by Mr. Jimmy Lama, which helped teachers explore strategies for understanding and engaging with their communities. Along with that, video bytes of the experiences of Saathi Teachers were taken.

The Mid-Year Training concluded on a high note, serving as a meaningful space for reflection, collaboration, and renewed commitment. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all facilitators, team members, and Saathi Teachers for their active participation and enthusiasm throughout the four days.

Together, we continue to learn, grow, and build stronger classrooms and communities through the Saathi Teachers Programme.

We are excited to share a significant milestone in the Saathi Teachers Programme—the successful placement of 16 new Saathi Teachers across our partner municipalities: Panchpokhari Thangpal, Anbookhaireni, and Tripurasundari Rural Municipalities. This latest batch brings the total number of Saathi Teachers to 30, working across 15 schools in these areas, marking a major expansion of our impact.

The process of selecting this 6th cohort has been both inspiring and rewarding. This year, we received an overwhelming 821 interest in applications from enthusiastic individuals across Nepal, all eager to make a meaningful impact on primary education in rural communities. From this impressive pool, 142 candidates were shortlisted for phone interviews, where their passion, expertise, and vision for education truly stood out. After a thorough and thoughtful selection process, 16 exceptional individuals were chosen to join the Saathi Teachers family.

The placement process was an important moment for our new Saathi Teachers, who were formally introduced to the heads of each municipality. This welcomed them into their new roles and emphasized the strong collaboration between the Saathi Teachers Programme and local governments in enhancing education at the grassroots level. We are deeply grateful to our Teacher Development Coordinators (TDCs) and Saathi Alumni for their continuous support, mentorship, and guidance throughout this placement journey. Their contributions have been invaluable in ensuring a smooth and successful transition for our new teachers.

Though schools are yet to officially reopen because of teachers strike, our new Saathi Teachers are not waiting to begin their work. They are starting their journey by developing a one-week action plan that will help them lay a solid foundation for the upcoming year. This includes engaging with local communities through home visits, preparing comprehensive lesson plans, and revisiting key learnings from the Saathi School program. These initial steps are crucial as they ensure that each teacher is ready to start the school year with clarity and purpose, equipped to make a meaningful impact in their classrooms.

The Saathi Teachers Programme is not just about filling positions in schools—it's about creating sustainable change in education. Our teachers are committed to fostering a learning environment that empowers students and uplifts their communities. With the continued support of our municipal partners, TDCs, and the wider Saathi network, we are confident that the 16 new teachers will contribute significantly to this vision.

As we look forward to the start of this new chapter, we wish all the new Saathi Teachers the very best as they begin their two-year journey of growth, learning, and community impact. Here’s to a bright future ahead, full of challenges, triumphs, and transformation.

On April 9th, the 5th cohort of Saathi Teachers, together with the Saathi Teachers Programme team, gathered for a memorable retreat at Trishuli Villa—a serene space thoughtfully designed to blend reflection with recreation. This retreat offered our Saathi Teachers the perfect opportunity to pause, recharge, and reflect on their journey before stepping into Year 2 of their transformative teaching experience.

The retreat began with a "Saathi Journey Clarity Session," where Saathi teachers reflected on their first-year experiences, celebrating both personal and professional milestones. This session was incredibly enriching, as each Saathi Teacher took the time to share their proudest achievements from Year 1, as well as the moments that brought them the most joy. They also openly discussed the challenges they faced—times when they felt hopeless or encountered obstacles. These candid conversations fostered a deep sense of vulnerability and trust, reinforcing the strong bond within the cohort. Additionally, the teachers shared the kind of support they hope to receive from the Saathi Teachers Programme team as they move forward.

While the retreat provided ample time for introspection, it was not without its fun and adventure. Rafting on the Trishuli River brought plenty of laughter and adrenaline, offering a perfect balance to the reflective sessions. The day culminated in a cozy and enjoyable BBQ night, where stories, food, and laughter filled the air under a sky full of stars.

This retreat served as a gentle reminder of how important it is to pause, connect, and realign—both as individuals and as a community. As we head into Year 2, the 5th cohort is not only better prepared but also more connected, filled with purpose, passion, and the unwavering support of the Saathi Teachers Programme team.

Here's to an even stronger Year 2, where the journey ahead will be shaped by collaboration, growth, and continued success.

8 April 2025 marked a truly special day as we celebrated a milestone in the Saathi Teachers Programme—graduating our 4th cohort of Saathi Teachers and welcoming the 6th cohort into their new roles. It was a day filled with reflection, pride, and immense hope, as we recognized the dedication and growth of our teachers and looked forward to the fresh journey ahead.

The event began with a powerful video that captured the essence of the 4th cohort’s two-year journey. Through their determination, hard work, and shared experiences, these educators transformed their teaching methods, developed new skills, and made lasting memories. The video highlighted not only their professional growth but the deep personal bonds they formed along the way. As Ms. Kabita Karki, one of the graduates, shared with us, “This journey will stay with me forever. It helped me find purpose. My journey as a Saathi Teacher has come to an end, but my journey as a government teacher has just begun.”

The atmosphere was charged with excitement as we welcomed new faces and the promise of what lies ahead for our 6th cohort. The event was honored by the presence of Mr. Krishna Prasad Kapri, Director General of the Center for Education and Human Resource Development (CEHRD). Mr. Kapri spoke about the importance of transforming education as a shared responsibility, emphasizing that it is only through collaboration that we can elevate the teaching profession. His words resonated deeply with all those present, reminding us of the power we have when we work together to create real change.

We were also joined by Mr. Bhakta Dhoj Bohara, Chairperson of Tripurasundari Rural Municipality, who highlighted how the Saathi Teachers Programme has been instrumental in helping local governments come together to make meaningful advancements in education. Mr. Tasi Lama, Chairperson of Panchpokhari Thangpal Rural Municipality, echoed this sentiment, affirming the visible impact of the programme and the municipality’s commitment to supporting Saathi Teachers in their ongoing efforts.

A defining moment of the ceremony came when the 4th cohort symbolically passed the torch to the 6th cohort—a beautiful exchange of stories, shared purpose, and an unbreakable spirit of camaraderie. The 4th cohort was honored with certificates and tokens of appreciation from the chairpersons of the municipalities they served, acknowledging their exceptional contributions. Meanwhile, the 6th cohort, having completed their 24-day journey as Saathi Candidates, received their certificates of appreciation. The energy of the new cohort was palpable as they performed their cohort song, 'Sargam,' which perfectly captured the vibrancy and unity of their group.

The event was smoothly facilitated by Saathi Teachers from the 5th cohort, Ajay Khadka and Sneha Shrestha, who embodied the spirit of Saathi Teachers with their warmth, grace, and enthusiasm. They set the tone for the event, creating an atmosphere of celebration and belonging.

As we celebrate the completion of one chapter and the beginning of another, we look forward to the continued growth and success of our Saathi Teachers. Here's to new beginnings, to the shared journey ahead, and to the power of education in shaping brighter futures—together.

Under the SAATHI Teachers Programme, a series of review meetings were held across three municipalities—Panchpokhari Thangpal Rural Municipality, Tripurasundari Rural Municipality, and Anbukhaireni Rural Municipality. These meetings served as a platform to assess the activities and impact of the programme over the past years, providing valuable insights into its effectiveness and areas for growth.

The SAATHI Teachers Programme operates in close partnership with local governments, and in recognition of this collaborative effort, the chairpersons or their representatives from all three rural municipalities attended the review meetings. Additionally, the meetings brought together the Education Officer, SAATHI Teachers, and school representatives, fostering an inclusive environment for dialogue and collaborative review of the programme’s achievements.

In Panchpokhari Thangpal Rural Municipality, the review meeting focused on evaluating the programme’s impact and activities over the past five years. The meeting was marked by an encouraging level of participation, reflecting the strong commitment of stakeholders to improving primary education in the municipality. One of the key takeaways was the remarkable progress achieved through the SAATHI Teachers Programme. A comparative analysis of the baseline study conducted in 2019 with current data revealed significant improvements in student outcomes. For instance, the number of students able to recognize alphabets had increased by 31.3%, while those able to recognize words grew by an impressive 40.5%.

Specifically, at Shree Saraswati Basic School, the percentage of Grade 1 students who could read alphabets rose by 40%. Additionally, all Grade 1 students at the school are now able to recognize single-digit numbers—a significant leap from just 33% in the baseline survey. The review meeting also included schools that have not yet implemented the SAATHI Teachers Programme, and we are excited to share that these schools have expressed interest in joining the initiative. This marks a promising step toward expanding the programme’s impact in the region.

In Tripurasundari Rural Municipality, a two-year impact assessment was conducted, providing valuable insights into the programme’s progress. This assessment, based on a comparative analysis of the baseline survey from two years ago, highlighted the continued success and growth of the SAATHI Teachers Programme in the municipality.

Similarly, in Anbukhaireni Rural Municipality, a review meeting was held to evaluate the progress and impact of the programme, further emphasizing the ongoing efforts to strengthen primary education in the region.

As we welcome our 6th cohort of Saathi Teachers, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our partner local governments and schools for their unwavering support. We also wish to acknowledge and appreciate the dedication and hard work of our Saathi Teachers, whose contributions have been central to creating meaningful change through the programme. The increasing number of schools expressing interest in implementing the SAATHI Teachers Programme is a testament to its success. Looking ahead, we are hopeful to expand the programme to at least two new schools in the near future, continuing our journey of improving education and empowering communities.

Magh 28, 2081 – Gunsa, Sindhupalchok

The 6th Panchpokhari Sikai Mela 2081 was successfully held at Shree Satkanyamati Secondary School, Gunsa, bringing together students, educators, and community leaders in a celebration of learning and innovation. The event was organized in collaboration with Panchpokhari Thangpal Rural Municipality, Saathi Teachers, Teach For Nepal Fellows, and other dedicated local teachers.

Honored by the presence of Panchpokhari Thangpal Rural Municipality Chairperson, Mr. Tasi Lama, the event provided a vibrant platform for students to showcase their creativity, communication skills, and leadership abilities. Their exhibitions and presentations reflected remarkable innovation, enthusiasm, and talent, making the event a truly inspiring experience for all attendees.

The Saathi Teachers played a crucial role in making this event a grand success through their dedication, mentorship, and active participation. Their unwavering commitment to fostering a love for learning among students was evident throughout the event.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all teachers, students, volunteers, and community members who contributed to making the 6th Panchpokhari Sikai Mela 2081 a resounding success. Events like these continue to highlight the power of collaborative learning and community-driven education, paving the way for a brighter future for our students.

From December 1–4, 2024, Saathi Program team successfully organized the Mid-Year Training and Saathi Outdoor Learning for Saathi Teachers, focusing on enhancing teaching skills and professional growth.

The first two and a half days at GAN Research and Learning Center included sessions on Public Speaking, Community Action Projects, Teaching Strategies in English and Math, Integrating the 4C skills (Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, and Creativity) into classroom, and Innovative Classroom Methods. Teachers also worked on career development skills like CV/resume writing, LinkedIn profile creation, personal statements, and reflective writing to document their Saathi journey.

At Jhule View Resort, the Saathi teachers and team engaged in outdoor learning activities aimed at strengthening the Saathi Teachers Programme by enhancing education quality, addressing gaps, and building on achievements.

This training allowed Saathi teachers to reconnect, recharge, and gain valuable skills to continue impacting rural schools across three municipalities in two districts. A heartfelt thanks to our dedicated facilitators and trainers who have supported us in our journey.

On November 21, 2024, our Chairperson Jimmy Lama and Teachers Development Coordinator, Aruna Shrestha Karki presented at BRANNGO conference at the British Embassy on Saathi Teachers Programme on behalf of Helambu Education and Livelihood Partnership and Mondo Foundation! 

This experience provided us an opportunity to showcase our programme’s impact, exchange insights, and connect with numerous other dedicated organizations striving to make a meaningful difference in education and beyond.  We are grateful for this platform to amplify our work and contribute to a shared vision of strengthening quality education. 

From September last week to the first week of October, we had the pleasure of welcoming Matthew Band, the new CEO, and Andrew Alright, the new Chair of Mondo Foundation, to our community. As our largest funding partner, Mondo Foundation supports the Saathi Teachers Programme, along with our Scholarship, School Building, and Livelihood initiatives. Their visit allowed us to help them immerse in our community and see our Saathi teachers in action along with observing other works of HELP that Mondo Foundation has supported. 

Following their visit, we hosted a Reflective Gathering of Saathi teachers on October 4th and 5th, bringing together our current cohorts to share their inspiring stories and achievements from the past six months in the classroom. This gathering was an opportunity for reflection, learning, and connection, as teachers discussed their experiences, challenges, and the bonds they have built in their schools. We also held discussions about recruitment for the 6th cohort and celebrated Dashain festival together, fostering a spirit of unity and gratitude. 

We were honored to have Dr. Bidyanath Koirala with us, who provided instant feedback and invaluable guidance during the discussions. Special thanks to our Saathi teachers, the Mondo Foundation team, and our dedicated staff for their active engagement and meaningful contributions. This gathering was a heartening reminder of the impact we are creating together in education and community development.