Schools in the Himalayan district of Manang have started opening after the end of the winter vacation, with lower area schools having already opened in February, while schools in the upper areas will open on February 28, 2023. Matilal Chapai, Head of the Education Development and Coordination Unit, mentioned that the lack of snow allowed the people of Manang to return quickly and the regular classes were conducted after the children came with their parents.
In previous years, after the annual examination in November, the district had a tradition of taking a break during the winter months to avoid the cold. However, last year, the annual examination was moved to Chait to ensure equality of teaching and learning with other districts, and the school has to be closed for two months during colder months in December and January.
Regular education has been conducted since February 13, 2023, in the schools of the headquarters of Chame and Nason Rural Municipality. Although the district office has published a notice to open schools, most schools have been operating regularly since February 13. However, there is still no condition to open a school in Upper Manang since the weather is colder, and the classes will start a little later if the residents of this area do not return to the district.
A popular secondary school in the headquarters of Chame has been operating as a residential school since students were facing problems commuting to school. Lokendra Bahadur Ghale, Chairman of Chame Rural Municipality, said that after the establishment of federalism, five schools in Chame were integrated and made residential to ensure students access to education.
Despite the absence of snow this year, it is still cold, and as a result, students, teachers, and staff of Upper Manang have not been able to reach the work area. Most of the local-level employees and public representatives are also out of the district due to the cold. Chapai mentioned that teachers and students from the Upper Manang region are entering the district, and locals are requesting that everyone comes to the village on time and serve.
