Improving Education and Remarkable Transformation in Galkot
Until just five years ago, the educational landscape in Galkot, Baglung was marred by dilapidated schools, deficient infrastructure, and students sitting on dusty floors. The absence of desks and benches made learning an arduous task. Rainwater leaks and wind-damaged roofs were common problems plaguing these schools. However, the advent of local governance marked a turning point, leading to substantial educational and infrastructural reforms.
Baalmaitri Nagar: The New Face of Galkot
The Galkot municipality, driven by its commitment to enhancing educational quality, has not only paved the way for better infrastructure but is also uplifting the overall education standards. This has earned Galkot the title of 'Baalmaitri Nagar,' signifying its dedication to nurturing young minds.
A Tech-Friendly Education Hub
Galkot boasts 13 secondary and 51 basic-level schools, including 62 community schools. The transformation is pervasive, with technology integration in every corner. Gone are the days of ramshackle classrooms; now, even the remotest wards have embraced modern, concrete school buildings. Moreover, to enhance education quality, the municipality conducts half-yearly and annual exams for classes 5, 8, and 10 at the municipal level.
Bringing Relief and Progress to Village Schools
Bishnu Prasad Gayre, headmaster of Navayuvak Basic School, Galkot Municipality-2 Thana, recalls the struggles of the past, where a lack of proper buildings and chairs affected students' health and performance. However, the newly arranged school buildings have not only attracted more students but also led to improved academic results. The focus on teacher training and technology integration has played a pivotal role in achieving this success.
Community-Led Progress
Naveen Subedi, a headmaster of Galkot-4, Chamuwa Basic Municipality, attests to the rise in educational quality since the school's completion in 2076. He emphasizes the role of both the municipality and the community in this transformation. Digital boards have replaced obsolete blackboards, and amenities like computer labs, science laboratories, and libraries are now standard. This holistic approach has made students prefer staying at school, fostering a love for learning.
Leveling Up Education
The municipality is actively involved in optimizing education levels, particularly in schools with fewer students. In 2079, 12 schools underwent level matching and adjustments. To maintain a standard student-to-teacher ratio, the municipality has introduced guidelines for various class levels. Shiv Khadka, the municipality's education officer, highlights that improved infrastructure has paved the way for a renewed focus on quality education, resulting in a consistent 20% annual increase in students achieving high GPAs.
Empowering Teachers and Students
To ensure well-rounded development, students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities and discover their talents. Subject experts at the city level collaborate with teachers to overcome teaching and learning challenges, emphasizing English, mathematics, and science subjects.
Investing in Education
Him Bahadur Bhandari, the spokesperson for Galkot, underscores the municipality's annual budget allocation and programs designed to uplift education. The primary focus is currently on enhancing physical infrastructure. As a result, private schools are witnessing a decline in enrollments, a testament to the success of public school improvements. Continuous teacher training and motivation initiatives underscore the municipality's commitment to creating responsible educators.
Overall, Galkot's journey from dilapidated schools to the forefront of educational transformation is an inspiring example of how dedicated governance and community involvement can revitalize education in rural areas.
Baglung