Kathmandu, Nepal – The Saathi Teachers Programme marked a significant milestone by celebrating the successful completion of the two-year teaching journey of 12 teachers from its 5th cohort while officially welcoming members of the 7th cohort who are preparing to begin their service in rural primary schools.

The event brought together graduating teachers, incoming fellows, alumni, advisors, supporters, and partners to recognize the impact of the programme in strengthening primary education and improving learning outcomes for children in rural communities.

Over the past two years, the graduating Saathi teachers have served in rural primary schools, demonstrating dedication, resilience, and a strong commitment to ensuring quality education for young learners. Their efforts have contributed not only to classroom learning but also to the broader development of the communities they served.

The programme also welcomed a new generation of educators from the 7th cohort, who will continue the mission of supporting rural schools through collaboration with local governments and school communities. Their journey begins in the upcoming academic year with the shared goal of creating positive learning environments for children.

A highlight of the celebration was the participation of numerous Saathi alumni, many of whom have chosen to pursue teaching as a full-time profession. Alumni shared experiences from their classrooms, reflected on their educational impact, and encouraged incoming teachers to embrace the challenges and rewards of the profession. Their presence showcased the growing network of educators committed to advancing quality education across Nepal.

The programme was honored by the presence of Mr. Gagan Thapa, long-time supporter and advisor of the Saathi Teachers Programme, who attended as the Chief Guest. Despite his busy national responsibilities, he joined the event to listen to and celebrate the stories of young educators dedicated to making a difference in children's lives.

The event also featured remarks from Dr. Meenakshi Dahal, advisor to the programme, who has consistently supported Saathi teachers through various training initiatives. Speaking on the theme “Building a Career in Education,” she encouraged participants to view teaching as a meaningful and impactful lifelong profession.

The Saathi Teachers Programme expressed its sincere appreciation to local government partners, national and international supporters, and friends of the programme whose continued collaboration and support make the initiative possible. Gratitude was also extended to all attendees who joined the celebration and recognized the achievements and impact of the Saathi community.

Special recognition was given to the programme’s dedicated team, whose hard work and commitment behind the scenes played a vital role in making the event successful and memorable.

As the 7th cohort prepares to begin its journey in the coming academic year, the Saathi Teachers Programme looks ahead with optimism and renewed determination to continue supporting quality education in rural Nepal.

The journey continues.

As part of the Saathi Teachers Programme, a four-day Mid-Year Training was successfully organized from 29th October till 1st November, bringing together 30 Saathi Teachers from Tripurasundari, Anbookhaireni, and Panchpokhari Thangpal Rural Municipalities.

The training served as a platform for learning, sharing, and growth, aiming to strengthen the Saathi Teachers community, enhance classroom practices, and support their personal and professional development.

Day 1: Reflection and Sharing

The training began with a day of reflection, where Saathi Teachers shared their classroom and community experiences. The day also featured an exchange learning session with our partner organization, the Interhands Foundation.

Mr. Jon and Mrs. Mette gave an insightful presentation about Norway and its education system, which proved to be highly informative and engaging for the Saathi Teachers.

Saathi Teachers from each cluster also shared their individual journeys; highlighting their best teaching practices, key learnings, and classroom challenges. These reflections were followed by group discussions, which encouraged deeper exploration of innovative ideas and collaborative learning.

Later, Mr. Kiran Maharjan facilitated a session on Student Counseling, guiding teachers on effective ways to support positive student behaviour.

Day 2: Subject Enrichment

The second day focused on subject enrichment, designed to deepen teachers’ understanding of core concepts and strengthen classroom delivery.
In English, Ms. Hadasaah Dona Karthak led an engaging session on Language Functions, while Mr. Tej Prakash Gautam conducted a session on Mental Maths, introducing fun and interactive strategies to make mathematics more engaging for students.

Day 3: Skill Building

The third day highlighted professional skill building. Mr. Ankit Bhattrai facilitated a session on Report Writing for the 6th Cohort, while Mr. Jigme Sherpa led a session on CV Writing for the 5th Cohort, helping Saathi Teachers strengthen their reflective and professional writing skills. 
This was followed by a creative session on Teaching Art from Basic Shapes, facilitated by Mr. Basu Kshitiz, encouraging teachers to integrate art-based learning in their classrooms.
A special note of gratitude goes to Mr. Sudharshan Sidgel for his unwavering support throughout the training.

Day 4: Outdoor Learning

The final day featured Outdoor Learning, starting with a Power Mapping session by Mr. Jimmy Lama, which helped teachers explore strategies for understanding and engaging with their communities. Along with that, video bytes of the experiences of Saathi Teachers were taken.

The Mid-Year Training concluded on a high note, serving as a meaningful space for reflection, collaboration, and renewed commitment. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all facilitators, team members, and Saathi Teachers for their active participation and enthusiasm throughout the four days.

Together, we continue to learn, grow, and build stronger classrooms and communities through the Saathi Teachers Programme.

We are excited to share a significant milestone in the Saathi Teachers Programme—the successful placement of 16 new Saathi Teachers across our partner municipalities: Panchpokhari Thangpal, Anbookhaireni, and Tripurasundari Rural Municipalities. This latest batch brings the total number of Saathi Teachers to 30, working across 15 schools in these areas, marking a major expansion of our impact.

The process of selecting this 6th cohort has been both inspiring and rewarding. This year, we received an overwhelming 821 interest in applications from enthusiastic individuals across Nepal, all eager to make a meaningful impact on primary education in rural communities. From this impressive pool, 142 candidates were shortlisted for phone interviews, where their passion, expertise, and vision for education truly stood out. After a thorough and thoughtful selection process, 16 exceptional individuals were chosen to join the Saathi Teachers family.

The placement process was an important moment for our new Saathi Teachers, who were formally introduced to the heads of each municipality. This welcomed them into their new roles and emphasized the strong collaboration between the Saathi Teachers Programme and local governments in enhancing education at the grassroots level. We are deeply grateful to our Teacher Development Coordinators (TDCs) and Saathi Alumni for their continuous support, mentorship, and guidance throughout this placement journey. Their contributions have been invaluable in ensuring a smooth and successful transition for our new teachers.

Though schools are yet to officially reopen because of teachers strike, our new Saathi Teachers are not waiting to begin their work. They are starting their journey by developing a one-week action plan that will help them lay a solid foundation for the upcoming year. This includes engaging with local communities through home visits, preparing comprehensive lesson plans, and revisiting key learnings from the Saathi School program. These initial steps are crucial as they ensure that each teacher is ready to start the school year with clarity and purpose, equipped to make a meaningful impact in their classrooms.

The Saathi Teachers Programme is not just about filling positions in schools—it's about creating sustainable change in education. Our teachers are committed to fostering a learning environment that empowers students and uplifts their communities. With the continued support of our municipal partners, TDCs, and the wider Saathi network, we are confident that the 16 new teachers will contribute significantly to this vision.

As we look forward to the start of this new chapter, we wish all the new Saathi Teachers the very best as they begin their two-year journey of growth, learning, and community impact. Here’s to a bright future ahead, full of challenges, triumphs, and transformation.

On April 9th, the 5th cohort of Saathi Teachers, together with the Saathi Teachers Programme team, gathered for a memorable retreat at Trishuli Villa—a serene space thoughtfully designed to blend reflection with recreation. This retreat offered our Saathi Teachers the perfect opportunity to pause, recharge, and reflect on their journey before stepping into Year 2 of their transformative teaching experience.

The retreat began with a "Saathi Journey Clarity Session," where Saathi teachers reflected on their first-year experiences, celebrating both personal and professional milestones. This session was incredibly enriching, as each Saathi Teacher took the time to share their proudest achievements from Year 1, as well as the moments that brought them the most joy. They also openly discussed the challenges they faced—times when they felt hopeless or encountered obstacles. These candid conversations fostered a deep sense of vulnerability and trust, reinforcing the strong bond within the cohort. Additionally, the teachers shared the kind of support they hope to receive from the Saathi Teachers Programme team as they move forward.

While the retreat provided ample time for introspection, it was not without its fun and adventure. Rafting on the Trishuli River brought plenty of laughter and adrenaline, offering a perfect balance to the reflective sessions. The day culminated in a cozy and enjoyable BBQ night, where stories, food, and laughter filled the air under a sky full of stars.

This retreat served as a gentle reminder of how important it is to pause, connect, and realign—both as individuals and as a community. As we head into Year 2, the 5th cohort is not only better prepared but also more connected, filled with purpose, passion, and the unwavering support of the Saathi Teachers Programme team.

Here's to an even stronger Year 2, where the journey ahead will be shaped by collaboration, growth, and continued success.