Magh 28, 2081 – Gunsa, Sindhupalchok

The 6th Panchpokhari Sikai Mela 2081 was successfully held at Shree Satkanyamati Secondary School, Gunsa, bringing together students, educators, and community leaders in a celebration of learning and innovation. The event was organized in collaboration with Panchpokhari Thangpal Rural Municipality, Saathi Teachers, Teach For Nepal Fellows, and other dedicated local teachers.

Honored by the presence of Panchpokhari Thangpal Rural Municipality Chairperson, Mr. Tasi Lama, the event provided a vibrant platform for students to showcase their creativity, communication skills, and leadership abilities. Their exhibitions and presentations reflected remarkable innovation, enthusiasm, and talent, making the event a truly inspiring experience for all attendees.

The Saathi Teachers played a crucial role in making this event a grand success through their dedication, mentorship, and active participation. Their unwavering commitment to fostering a love for learning among students was evident throughout the event.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all teachers, students, volunteers, and community members who contributed to making the 6th Panchpokhari Sikai Mela 2081 a resounding success. Events like these continue to highlight the power of collaborative learning and community-driven education, paving the way for a brighter future for our students.

From September last week to the first week of October, we had the pleasure of welcoming Matthew Band, the new CEO, and Andrew Alright, the new Chair of Mondo Foundation, to our community. As our largest funding partner, Mondo Foundation supports the Saathi Teachers Programme, along with our Scholarship, School Building, and Livelihood initiatives. Their visit allowed us to help them immerse in our community and see our Saathi teachers in action along with observing other works of HELP that Mondo Foundation has supported. 

Following their visit, we hosted a Reflective Gathering of Saathi teachers on October 4th and 5th, bringing together our current cohorts to share their inspiring stories and achievements from the past six months in the classroom. This gathering was an opportunity for reflection, learning, and connection, as teachers discussed their experiences, challenges, and the bonds they have built in their schools. We also held discussions about recruitment for the 6th cohort and celebrated Dashain festival together, fostering a spirit of unity and gratitude. 

We were honored to have Dr. Bidyanath Koirala with us, who provided instant feedback and invaluable guidance during the discussions. Special thanks to our Saathi teachers, the Mondo Foundation team, and our dedicated staff for their active engagement and meaningful contributions. This gathering was a heartening reminder of the impact we are creating together in education and community development.
 

On November 21, 2024, our Chairperson Jimmy Lama and Teachers Development Coordinator, Aruna Shrestha Karki presented at BRANNGO conference at the British Embassy on Saathi Teachers Programme on behalf of Helambu Education and Livelihood Partnership and Mondo Foundation! 

This experience provided us an opportunity to showcase our programme’s impact, exchange insights, and connect with numerous other dedicated organizations striving to make a meaningful difference in education and beyond.  We are grateful for this platform to amplify our work and contribute to a shared vision of strengthening quality education. 

From December 1–4, 2024, Saathi Program team successfully organized the Mid-Year Training and Saathi Outdoor Learning for Saathi Teachers, focusing on enhancing teaching skills and professional growth.

The first two and a half days at GAN Research and Learning Center included sessions on Public Speaking, Community Action Projects, Teaching Strategies in English and Math, Integrating the 4C skills (Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, and Creativity) into classroom, and Innovative Classroom Methods. Teachers also worked on career development skills like CV/resume writing, LinkedIn profile creation, personal statements, and reflective writing to document their Saathi journey.

At Jhule View Resort, the Saathi teachers and team engaged in outdoor learning activities aimed at strengthening the Saathi Teachers Programme by enhancing education quality, addressing gaps, and building on achievements.

This training allowed Saathi teachers to reconnect, recharge, and gain valuable skills to continue impacting rural schools across three municipalities in two districts. A heartfelt thanks to our dedicated facilitators and trainers who have supported us in our journey.