Jay Narayan Adarsha Secondary School: Revitalizing Education in Rural Panchthar
Located in Phalgunand rural municipality-6 Mehelbote of Panchthar, Jaynarayan Adarsh Secondary School is one of the oldest and historic schools in the eastern hills. However, declining enrollment due to increasing migration, infatuation with private schools, and poor educational quality has become a common challenge for public schools in hilly rural areas. Despite these challenges, this school is increasing the number of students by emphasizing on modern education.
Emphasis on Modern Education
The school is currently attracting students by conducting the basic level in English medium, as well as conducting 18-month civil supervision classes. According to the principal, Prakash Acharya, the school has made the teaching up to class 5 in full English medium, and they are trying to make full English medium up to class 8. Mathematics, science, and health subjects are already being taught in English medium in classes 6, 7, and 8. This move has resulted in an increase in the number of students.
Civil Sub-Overseer Class
Jaynarayan Adarsh Secondary School has been conducting Civil Sub-Overseer classes since 2069 BS. Although the technical stream has a quota of 40 students, no students have been admitted as per the quota. However, around 200 students have received technical education so far, and all of them have become employed.
Historical Significance
The school's establishment and operation are attributed to the contribution of educationist Jayanarayan Rizal and his son Tejprakash Rizal, a politician. The school was started in the Goth of Jayanarayan under the name of Margadevi School, and it got permission to operate in 2005 BS. After Jayanarayan's death, his son Tej Prakash headed the school, and the construction was completed in 2008 BS.
Challenges
The school is suffering from a lack of physical structure, infrastructure, and resources. The buildings are spacious, but they are old, and there is no space for extracurricular activities. The laboratory of Civil Sub-Overseer has not been constructed, and the school has not been able to organize the library. There is no good provision of drinking water and toilets in the school, which has a large number of students. The school also lost its model school grant due to not meeting the required standards.
Overall, Jaynarayan Adarsh Secondary School is an excellent example of how modern education can revitalize rural schools. By emphasizing English medium education, the school has managed to attract more students. However, the school needs to address its challenges, such as lack of infrastructure and resources, to ensure the quality of education provided.
Published on 30 March 2023
Panchthar