As the Himalayan Trust’s teacher training and school development project advances they are keen to encourage suitably qualified, enthusiastic and independent teachers to enhance the work. The trust is now well placed to recommend suitable schools which would benefit from such an experience, in the knowledge that they would be made most welcome by the community and be well supported by the trust’s partners, REED Nepal (Rural Education and Environmental Development Nepal).
I am particularly keen to hear from newly or recently retired teachers who feel they would like to share their huge wealth of educational knowledge for the benefit of schools supported by the Himalayan Trust UK. There is need for teachers of English, maths and science at both primary and secondary levels. Involvement would not only be with children but helping in the development of the local teachers, particularly with regard to the standard of their own English.
It is possible for teachers, who are able to commit for longer periods, to adopt a two centre approach to their experience, starting at a school in the Khumbu or Solu Khumbu, both areas further along the road of development, before moving to the more remote region of Taplejung where the programme is still in its early stages. The more popular, more established Everest region would be a good way for a teacher to gain initial experience before giving some time to Taplejung District. There would be plenty of opportunities for some excellent trekking.
Anybody wishing to confine their teaching support in Kathmandu can be placed in Saptagandaki School. I have had a long association with this school, the headmaster, Tshewang Lama Sherpa, his wife and family for many years and have a huge amount of respect for them. The school caters for Sherpa and Tamang children, many of whom board. It is a friendly school and I can speak with confidence having placed many young teachers and Gap Year students in it. As English is widely spoken in Kathmandu schools, this would be less of a culture shock than going into the remoter parts of the mountains.
It would be a hugely rewarding experience for any volunteers. Any teachers who would like further information should, in the first instance, get in touch with me so that we can begin discussions. Email: john@adventureguide.org.uk