Annually, we advertise Saathi Teacher vacancies online and at colleges in the Kathmandu Valley. Applicants submit essays through the online portal, and those who pass the initial screening move on to phone/online interviews. Successful candidates are then invited to a full-day Assessment of Saathi Candidates (ASCs), which includes teaching practice, group discussions, and a final interview. Once we have got enough Saathi teachers, we hold a contract-signing event where we meet their parents.
We conduct online or physical information sessions about the Saathi Teachers Programme at various local levels every year. We communicate with potential participants via phone calls and invite them to the interaction programme, where we provide information about the programme. Afterwards, we set a deadline for interested local governments to submit their expression of interest (EOI) and proposals. Based on their interest level, available funding, and feasible schools, we move forward in the selection process.
After signing the contract with HELP, candidates must complete a compulsory residential pre-service training program that lasts for 21 days before being placed. The training program covers various topics, including Child Psychology, the National Curriculum, Creative teaching strategies, the educational history of Nepal, current educational policies, federal and municipal structures, and fundamental teaching techniques. The Saathi Teachers programme, which is run by HELP in collaboration with the MONDO foundation, includes a significant investment in Saathi School. It emphasizes every person's unique attitude, tests them on their innermost values, and gives them challenging reading assignments and deadlines.
After selecting the local government from among the numerous applied local governments, we request a list of schools using the following criteria:
After receiving the list, we'll visit and evaluate schools in the first selection round. The results and the list of chosen schools will be sent to the education department. Once we submit the report, both parties will approve the final school selection based on administrative requirements for Saathi teacher placement.
After the Saathi teachers are placed in their schools, the Saathi teachers will be continuously supported by a dedicated Teachers Development Coordinator- one per municipality- throughout the two years. They conduct classroom observations and meetings designed to support the classroom practices of each Saathi teacher. In addition to this, there are periodic training and learning workshops to help Saathi teachers grow as a transformative and progressive teacher.
