Belkotgadhi Municipality Adjusts Class Levels in Community Schools to Address Low Student Numbers
Belkotgadhi Municipality in Nuwakot has taken measures to address the issue of low student numbers in 19 community schools by adjusting their class levels. This decision was made during the executive meeting after a continuous decrease in student enrollment during the academic session 2078/79.
Monitoring Task Force Conducts On-Site Verification
To determine the accurate number of students participating in examinations, the municipality formed a 'Monitoring Task Force' which carried out on-site monitoring from August to March. The task force discovered that despite initial reports of high student numbers, the actual attendance was significantly lower. Mayor Jagat Bahadur Gurung explained that this monitoring process revealed the true number of students present.
Class Reduction Implemented Based on Monitoring Results
In light of the monitoring and examination data, the upper classes in schools with fewer students were adjusted to other nearby schools. The aim was to ensure that the class sizes were proportionate to the number of participating students. Mayor Gurung emphasized that the decision to reduce classes was temporary until alternative arrangements could be made.
Primary and Secondary Schools Affected
The class reduction primarily affected primary and secondary schools within the municipality. Most of the adjustments were made in classes ranging from Kindergarten to Class 1. Chandidevi Secondary School in Belkotgadhi-12, for instance, initially reported 116 students for the academic session 2079. However, only 51 students attended regularly and participated in examinations. Consequently, the school's class levels were reduced to teach from Kindergarten to Class 3.
Minimum Class Size Requirement
The decision to adjust class levels will be reviewed and reconsidered if the schools can maintain a minimum of 15 students in each class. Deputy Principal Shivprasad Dahal mentioned that the school's management committee and teachers are actively searching for more students through an ongoing enrollment campaign. If the number of students increases, it may be possible to restore the previously reduced classes.
Prioritizing Quality Education and Technical Skills
Currently, Belkotgadhi Municipality hosts 54 community schools, including 19 secondary schools. The municipality's representatives are committed to enhancing the quality of education and attracting more students to public schools. They aim to achieve this by implementing a local curriculum, emphasizing technical education, and nurturing students' skills and abilities. These policies align with the municipality's goal of fostering an educational environment that prepares students for the future.
Published on 6th May 2023
Nuwakot