Two of UMN’s partner schools recently won the prestigious International Schools Award, given by the British Council to schools who complete a demanding set of projects in collaboration with a partner school in another country. Dolbhanjyang HSS (Dhading) and Rampur HSS (Doti) were successful, the only two government schools out of the six receiving awards. In addition, Dolbhanjyang won the award for the best local curriculum design, for their work on Climate Change.

Bed Bahadur Thapa, ISA co-ordinator at Dolbhanjyang, spoke about how much the students had learned – and how they had developed leadership skills, critical thinking and problem solving. The project had involved the local community, mothers’ groups, and parent and teacher groups. The students have made the school a plastic bag-free zone, installed taps for hand-washing, and planted trees. It’s great to hear how a school without lots of resources can be inventive and creative.

Mr Thapa expressed his gratitude to UMN and its partner Prayas Nepal for their support and encouragement.