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.
