Saathi Teachers programme expands to strengthen primary education in rural Nepal

KATHMANDU: The Saathi Teachers Programme is expanding its work to strengthen primary education in rural Nepal by recruiting and placing motivated young teachers in community schools.

Run by Helambu Education and Livelihood Partnership (HELP) with support from Mondo Foundation and Interhands Foundation, the programme was launched in 2019 to improve literacy and numeracy for primary students. Over the past seven years more than 60 Saathi teachers have graduated from the scheme, and more than half have chosen teaching as a long-term career.

Each partner school hosts two Saathi teachers who work alongside local educators to strengthen foundational learning and classroom outcomes. HELP recruits, trains and supports new teachers annually for two-year placements to ensure continuous engagement and professional development.

HELP has partnered with Panchpokhari, Tripurasundari, Aanbukhaireni and Melamchi rural municipalities, and this year the programme is expanding into Bandipur Rural Municipality.

The Fifth Cohort Graduation Ceremony was held in Mulpani on Saturday, where 12 graduating Saathi teachers were celebrated for two years of service in community schools across Sindhupalchok and Tanahun districts. As the graduates joined the programme’s alumni network, they handed over their roles to 11 new Saathi teachers who will carry the work forward.

The ceremony was attended by Gagan Thapa, a long-time supporter of HELP and advisor to the Saathi Teachers Programme; Dr Meenakshi Dahal, advisor to the programme and chairperson of Tripura Rural Municipality; Bhakta Dhoj Bohara; and representatives from partner schools and organisations.

The programme highlighted several individual stories that illustrate its personal impact. Sreejana Duwal taught mathematics at Shree Golmeshowry Basic School in Panchpokhari while leaving her two-year-old daughter behind to serve rural children. Likewise, Diwas Chaudary, who taught English at Shree Setidevi Basic School in Tripurasundari, used his artistic skills to make classrooms and school environments more engaging. Sunita Sherchan, 51, taught at Shree Chandeshwori Basic School in Aanbookhaireni, Tanahun, demonstrating that teaching in rural conditions can be both possible and impactful for older educators and their families.

Beyond classroom instruction, Saathi teachers have been active in community engagement, conducting parental education sessions, organising village clean-up campaigns and implementing school drinking water projects. They also arrange inter-school competitions, sports events and primary-level education fairs; one such fair in Panchpokhari has been institutionalised by the municipality.

The programme is funded through municipal support for teacher salaries, while HELP, with backing from Mondo Foundation, Interhands Foundation and other partners, provides training, mentoring and school resources.

“Saathi teachers are not only shaping young minds but also inspiring entire communities,” said Bhakta Dhoj Bohara, chairperson of Tripura Rural Municipality. “Their commitment and impact deserve recognition, and we invite everyone to celebrate their journey with us,” said Safina Maharjan, a Teachers Development Coordinator.

Reflecting on her experience, graduate Sneha Shrestha said, “Saathi Teachers programme has helped me to gain confidence that working in education is something I wish to continue for my career.”