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 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.