Bhanu Hari Bhandari, Principal of Everest Florida Secondary School, has dedicated a considerable amount of time to the field of education. He is also a committee member of HISSAN Bagmati. He has briefly shared his insights with College Readers. Excerpts:

What is the mission and vision of the plus two program at your college, and what strategies do you employ to attain them?

The college was established with a primary focus on business-oriented education. When I initially enrolled in the institution, the number of students in the twelfth-grade program was notably lower compared to the present. During that time, colleges were notorious for their exorbitant fees and an excessive emphasis on superficial aspects. The fee structure greatly exceeded the actual value of education provided. Furthermore, there was a lack of a well-defined curriculum. However, in recent times, we have strived to enhance the educational experience by offering courses tailored to students' individual interests. An emerging trend we have observed is the increasing number of students opting to pursue higher education abroad. While our initial objective in establishing this school was relatively modest, we didn't set out to revolutionize or completely transform the educational system. Instead, we consider ourselves as academic entrepreneurs, aiming to provide quality education within our scope. Within the school, we have identified three significant focal points. Firstly, we place a strong emphasis on enhancing English language proficiency among our students, recognizing its importance as a global communication tool. Secondly, we emphasize the roles and responsibilities of each staff member to ensure their effectiveness in contributing to the students' educational journey. Lastly, we actively seek and implement innovative ideas to enrich the learning experience and foster a dynamic and engaging environment within the college.

What measures are in place to ensure that your students acquire global competence?

In today's era, our students have become highly adept at utilizing technology, thanks to their heightened engagement with the digital world, which has been further accelerated by the global COVID-19 pandemic. As an educational institution, we have wholeheartedly embraced IT-based teaching and learning methodologies, harnessing the educational resources provided through information technology. This shift has resulted in a substantial improvement in the quality of education offered to students across our country. By leveraging technology, we have revolutionized the traditional classroom experience. Our adoption of online platforms, educational apps, and multimedia resources has allowed for interactive and engaging lessons. This approach caters to the technological fluency of our students and provides them with immersive and dynamic learning experiences, enhancing their overall educational journey. Moreover, we have implemented conceptual teaching methods to facilitate swift and effective learning. These methods prioritize the development of a deep understanding of fundamental concepts, emphasizing critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical application of knowledge.

By fostering analytical and creative skills, we empower our students to think independently and tackle real-world challenges. While we emphasize practical learning, we also acknowledge the significance of theoretical education. Our curriculum strikes a balance between practical application and theoretical foundations, ensuring that our students acquire a well-rounded education. Theoretical knowledge serves as a strong framework for students to build their practical skills and delve deeper into their areas of interest. Furthermore, we have incorporated elements from international education curricula to provide our students with a comprehensive and globally relevant education. By integrating global perspectives, diverse cultural contexts, and contemporary issues into our teaching, we broaden their horizons and cultivate a global mindset. This equips our students with the necessary skills and understanding to thrive in an interconnected and multicultural world. Our commitment to IT-based teaching and learning methodologies, coupled with conceptual teaching methods, theoretical education, and an international outlook, has significantly enhanced the quality of education we offer to our students. By fostering technological proficiency, critical thinking, and global competence, we prepare them to excel in the modern landscape and become well-rounded individuals ready to contribute to society.

What distinguishing characteristics make the courses offered at your college exceptional?

At our college, we prioritize our students' career development by empowering them to make informed decisions about their future paths. We offer a bridge course that aligns with their bachelor's courses while they are still in the twelfth-grade level. It's worth noting that we have consistently witnessed success in engineering entrance exams, with none of our students failing, and many of our students have gone on to pursue careers in the medical field as doctors.

To enhance the learning experience, we go beyond the confines of textbooks and theory. For instance, when studying the topic of electricity, we arrange for practical training sessions where an experienced electrician is invited to demonstrate real-life applications. Despite the electrician's limited academic knowledge, their wealth of practical experience allows for a more effective and engaging learning experience. We extend this approach to other subjects as well, such as conducting skill-oriented classes for mathematics. By incorporating practical sessions and skill-oriented classes, we provide our students with hands-on training that complements their course materials. This approach not only enhances their understanding but also equips them with practical skills that can be applied in real-world scenarios.

What are the factors that Kathmandu HISSAN College should take into account?

With a distinct central objective, HISSAN recognizes the significance of its role in the educational landscape. Situated in Bagmati province, which boasts a multitude of schools, HISSAN understands the importance of closely monitoring the syllabi being implemented in these educational institutions. By ensuring the quality and relevance of the curriculum, HISSAN aims to provide students with a well-rounded education that aligns with national standards. Furthermore, HISSAN acknowledges the crucial role of parents in shaping a child's educational journey. Therefore, it actively seeks to transform parents' perceptions and beliefs regarding education. By fostering open communication, organizing workshops, and promoting the value of holistic education, HISSAN endeavors to establish a strong partnership between parents, students, and educators. This collaborative effort ultimately contributes to the overall growth and development of students, both academically and personally.

Lastly, what message do you want to convey to parents and students?

The primary consideration for students should be their financial situation and personal interests. It is crucial to avoid choosing a path solely based on peer pressure if there is no genuine passion involved. Students should prioritize quality over quantity when making decisions. Instead of being swayed by the glamor of a school, they should opt for a management-oriented education. It is important to note that a higher fee structure does not necessarily guarantee a higher quality of education.