Dikshalaya School, located in Kapan, Kathmandu, is a progressive institution that focuses on innovative teaching methods and a concept-based K-12 curriculum. The school maintains high educational standards and provides a supportive academic atmosphere.

Dikshalaya School, located in Kapan, Kathmandu, is a progressive institution that focuses on innovative teaching methods and a concept-based K-12 curriculum. The school maintains high educational standards and provides a supportive academic atmosphere.

Durga Prasad Dahal, a dynamic and youthful leader, serves as the Principal of Dikshalaya School. With his effective leadership, students are encouraged to develop their distinct talents, and the school strives to nurture individuals who are adaptable and ready to meet the challenges of global citizenship. He shared his thoughts on education with College Readers. Here are some highlights from the discussion.

How is the learning environment at Dikshalaya School, which focuses on progressive learning approaches?

Progressive education can lead the entire country towards progress and development. In Nepal, the increasing trend of copying does not yield positive outcomes. Dikshalaya School has effectively implemented progressive teaching methods. For instance, in grade 9, students learn about mushroom cultivation and have successfully grown mushrooms themselves. While theoretical knowledge may result in high scores, the practical application of skills is essential in real-life scenarios. Our teaching approach prioritizes marks over actual needs, hindering the development of students. Dikshalaya School aims to empower students to become self-employed in the future. The concept of progressive education originated from the recognition of the importance of practical knowledge in the USA. It is crucial to tailor education to meet the demands of Nepal's market. At Dikshalaya School, we emphasize practical learning in ICT classes and prioritize actions over words. Our goal is to transform books into interactive learning tools. Tragically, Nepali students often drown in foreign waters due to a lack of basic swimming skills not taught in our schools. To address this, we offer swimming classes with a coach for 10 to 15 days. Additionally, we focus on imparting life skills to our students.

How have you blended skills, values, attitudes, and technology with knowledge at Dikshalaya?

Deploying a projector and internet in classrooms does not equate to creating digitalized schools. We need fully technology-driven classrooms. For instance, in the fourth grade, students learn about Kurilo (Asparagus) farming from a Nepali book and have successfully cultivated them. Grades alone do not dictate the future.

These days, parents prioritize mark sheets over education. How do you assure parents that your school offers quality education to students?

We demonstrate this through our actions. We guide parents to help them grasp our approach. I am confident that even if my students do not excel in the future, they will not resort to working in Gulf countries for survival; instead, they will start a small business and thrive while staying in their home country. Schools may pressure and demotivate academically weak students, but nothing is futile in this world. Results hold some significance, but comparing oneself to others and losing hope is not beneficial. Students should push themselves and measure their progress against their own previous achievements. We help parents recognize their children's interests and potential. Parents may not be aware of new teaching methods and continue to rely on traditional approaches.

What role do parental and community engagement play in students' progress?

According to the Education Act 2076 of Nepal, a local curriculum has been added in the form of a book that includes all the heritages, monuments, and resources of that municipality or rural municipality. Every subject should include community activities. Our students interviewed the Mayor of Bhudanilkantha municipality. Their questions surprised him. We have guest lectures from parents, especially on health-related issues. We are actively involving parents and the community in our school events.

In the past, the English language was a major draw for private schools, enticing parents to enroll their children in private boarding schools. However, this situation has now changed. What challenges might arise in the education sector in the future and how should they be addressed?

Sophisticated infrastructure is not just for transferring knowledge but also for the comfort of students. The classroom should be resourceful and provide a conducive studying environment. Student needs, interests, prior knowledge, and potential should be identified to offer them a platform to express their talents. Students should have the opportunity for international exposure to help build their confidence. We can achieve success in our desired field and pursue our passions. This is something we should impart to our students. Some schools simply mimic foreign teaching methods without considering the specific needs of Nepal.

This is the era of digitalized education. What are its possibilities and challenges in Nepal?

Let me present an example: we initiated one laptop per student in grade 5 before the COVID-19 pandemic. Parents used to fear that technology would negatively impact their children. However, after COVID-19, the concept of homeschooling gained popularity, and skepticism towards technology decreased. Now, laptops are essential for our students. The Covid pandemic has brought about positive changes, fostering advancements and increased trust in technology. Nowadays, parents recognize that technology can also be a source of knowledge, even through educational games. Our school's primary objective is digitalization, aiming to become the first fully digital school in Nepal.

Lastly, what messages would you like to convey to parents and students?

On behalf of Dikshalaya School and myself, I assure parents that we are offering education tailored to the demands of the 21st century. Our emphasis is on developing students' skills, communication, collaboration, ethics, morals, and values alongside academics. We are fully committed to our duties and ensuring our students' successful integration into the future job market. Parents can rely on us, and we pledge to be dependable.