Hritu Neupane, who believes in commitment and dedication for quality education, is an emerging educational leader amongst women educational entrepreneurs in Nepal. Currently, she is the CEO of Triton School & College. She is also involved in HISSAN Bagmati Province Committee as an executive member. She shares her opinion with College Readers. Excerpts:

What inspired you to pursue a career in education, and how did you become CEO finally at Triton SS & College?

Pursuing a career in education is a rewarding and fulfilling path that involves a deep exploration of developing interpersonal and intrapersonal connections. As an educator, you have the opportunity to connect with students on a personal level, understand their unique needs and challenges, and support their growth and development. In the field of education, it is crucial to stay updated with the changing thoughts and perspectives that surround us. Society is constantly evolving, and as an educator, it is important to be aware of the latest research, theories, and practices in education. Adapting teaching methods to meet diverse student needs ensures a quality education. As CEO of Triton, I prioritize student growth, foster inclusive learning environments, and implement innovative strategies for academic excellence. Hard work, smart planning, and a strong brand make Triton a top educational institution.

Can you describe the vision and mission of your institution, and how do you plan to achieve them?

Triton's vision and mission revolve around imparting quality education while emphasizing cultural and disciplinary concerns, all through a smart, fun, and happy learning environment. To achieve this, Triton has implemented the reflecting model in all teaching and learning activities with great rigor. The reflecting model serves as a powerful tool for continuous improvement and enhancement of the educational process at Triton. After each event and activity, a reflective process takes place, allowing educators and students to evaluate their experiences, identify any shortcomings or areas for improvement, and devise strategies to further enhance the learning process. By actively engaging in reflection, Triton creates a culture of self-assessment and growth. Educators reflect on their teaching methods, pedagogical approaches, and classroom dynamics, seeking ways to optimize student engagement and learning outcomes. This reflective process enables them to adapt their teaching techniques and incorporate innovative strategies that align with the unique needs and interests of their students. Triton College promotes student reflection, analyzing strengths, weaknesses, and progress for a deeper understanding of learning styles. Through guided reflection, students develop metacognitive skills, taking ownership of their academic growth. Collaborative assessments and shared learning foster a culture of reflection. Triton identifies areas for improvement and builds on strengths, ensuring a supportive and holistic education. This approach empowers students for lifelong success through critical thinking and personal growth.

How do you prepare students to meet the demands of the 21st-century workforce, and what skills and competencies do you believe are most essential for success?

In order to meet the demands of the 21st-century workforce, Triton recognizes the importance of equipping students with relevant skills and knowledge. To achieve this, Triton integrates professional courses and real-life experiences into its curriculum, leveraging the use of recently developed smart technologies. By incorporating professional courses, Triton ensures that students are prepared for the dynamic and rapidly evolving job market. These courses focus on industry-specific skills and provide practical knowledge that can be directly applied in professional settings. Students gain a deep understanding of their chosen field, allowing them to enter the workforce with confidence and competence. In addition to professional courses, Triton emphasizes the importance of real-life experiences. Through internships, cooperative education programs, and hands-on projects, students have the opportunity to apply their theoretical learning in real-world contexts. Triton College prioritizes experiential learning, enhancing problem-solving, critical thinking, and adaptability skills for future careers. It emphasizes professional development while instilling moral and cultural values. Triton fosters integrity, empathy, and respect, addressing ethical challenges and cultural diversity. By combining practical education, moral values, and cultural inclusivity, Triton empowers students to succeed and make positive contributions to society.

As HISSAN Bagmati Province is a newly formed social organization, what essential things do you observe to make it stronger and more successful?

To make HISSAN (Higher Secondary Schools' Association Nepal) Bagmati province stronger and more successful, several key focus areas can be considered:

1. Working and collaborating with universities within and outside the country for quality education: By establishing partnerships and collaborations with reputable universities, HISSAN Bagmati can enhance the quality of education offered in the province. This can involve exchange programs for students and faculty, joint research projects, curriculum development, and sharing of best practices in teaching and learning.
2. Providing e-classes and digital materials for students: Embracing technology and implementing e-learning initiatives can greatly benefit students in HISSAN Bagmati. By providing e-classes and digital learning materials, students can access educational resources anytime, anywhere, and engage in interactive and multimedia-rich learning experiences. This approach can enhance their understanding, critical thinking, and digital literacy skills.
3. Conducting sports and other ECA/CCA activities: Engaging students in sports and extracurricular activities is vital for their holistic development. HISSAN Bagmati can organize inter-school sports competitions, cultural events, clubs, and societies to promote physical fitness, teamwork, creativity, and leadership skills among students. These activities contribute to a well-rounded education and foster a sense of camaraderie and healthy competition.
4. Organizing skill-based and professional courses: Offering skill-based courses can equip students with practical skills that are relevant to the demands of the job market. HISSAN Bagmati can collaborate with industries and vocational training institutes to provide courses in areas such as entrepreneurship, IT skills, communication, and vocational skills. These courses enhance students' employability and prepare them for a successful career.
5. Managing training and seminars for teachers on newly developed teaching methodologies: Continuous professional development for teachers is crucial to stay updated with the latest teaching methodologies and educational practices. HISSAN Bagmati can organize training sessions, workshops, and seminars to equip teachers with new strategies, technologies, and pedagogical approaches. This empowers teachers to deliver quality education, engage students effectively, and adapt to the changing needs of learners.

What would you suggest to the SEE graduates for the wise selection of subjects and colleges?

We encourage SEE graduates to pursue their passions and choose subjects that align with their interests. However, we also emphasize the importance of considering the potential professional careers that can stem from their chosen subjects. With this in mind, we suggest that students consider subjects such as science, management, law, IT, and other technical and skill-based fields. To support this recommendation, we advise students to enroll in colleges that have the best management teams and provide excellent infrastructure. A college with a strong management team ensures effective administration, curriculum planning, and student support services. A conducive learning environment with better infrastructure, personalized guidance, and strong management fosters academic achievement and career success. Choose a college that aligns with your strengths, offers quality resources, and supports your passions.