Thank you for your continuous support.
Reflecting on year 2020
2020 assuredly has been a rollercoaster ride and definitely a year like no other for the world. Upon 2020 we lived in fear, uncertainty, anxiety, and witnessed the world falling apart due to Coronavirus. The Covid-19 pandemic shook us to our core. It had an irreversible impact on every aspect of our lives including education. We went from physical learning to remote learning, the shifting surely came with it’s advantages and disadvantages. The change was sudden and so quick that we had to cope up with everything as it came. Like many other schools we had our own challenges and hardships to deal with. However, looking into the positive side this year has been a year of learning and loving. It made us realize the importance of human connectivity like never before. The journey from the year 2020 to 2021 was mentally exhausting but what a year of learning, growing, and finding. We wish everyone and look forward to a very happy, healthy and brighter year ahead.
<YouMe School, Khotang>
The mask was optional and more of a personal choice for many people before the Corona thing existed in our lives. In Nepal we used to wear masks in order to protect ourselves from dust and pollution. However, when Coronavirus prevailed it quickly became mandatory and safeguard to protect ourselves from this deadliest virus. We can imagine how difficult and suffocating it must have been for the childrens who never wore masks in their lives before. The transition was immediate but very helpful. We also had our fair share of trouble making our children understand the importance of wearing masks everyday. Meanwhile adapting to this firsthand safety precaution, we are happy to get used to seeing the pure smile behind the masks of our children. The joyful smile behind the masks of our childrens are priceless and very much treasured.
Water scarcity is no new subject to the native of Khotang. There have been several cases of water sources dried up and people facing shortage of water. Even our school and at YouMe House we have to buy water for drinking as well as for other household and personal necessities. While keeping in mind the value of water we can imagine what farmers go through every year when there is no rain and water resources for agriculture. Before we have shared some stories and pictures of our teachers farming. As this time we share with you the process of how they made through the challenge of water shortage and grow their farming.
In YouMe House our teachers thought of growing their own small farming. They came up with the idea of water supply to the land they are growing different seasonal vegetables. They have dug up a small way placing pipe where the water used by them eventually flows into the pipe and water is restored in a small pit. They have even made a steep way in order to make water flow straight to the land where they are growing their vegetables in. The idea is simple and common: you are not over using the water but making the most of the already used water for the farming.
The hard work surely looks pleasing and worthwhile. The picture says it all. They try to grow seasonal and organic vegetables and consume when they are ready to eat.
Our schools had a small Online interaction and dance program with Jikken Dojo, a famous Youtube celebrities group from Japan. They had their own performances prepared and our students from Khotang school were all dressed up in a traditional attire for the dance performances. Jikken Dojo showed some interesting and beautiful dance movements to our students and even they danced together. Never thought an online dance program could be this entertaining. We completely loved seeing our students enjoy every bit of it.
<YouMe School, Biratnagar>
A good classroom environment can be created with the elements of creativity added along with the curriculum. We believe in giving enough freedom to our students to express and learn that definitely help them improve their thinking capabilities. She is Sushmita from grade IV showing us some of her drawing skills. She is very fond of drawing. Before we used to have events lined up every Friday for our students. However, this year no such events have been organized due to the Covid-19 risks. But this has not stopped us from learning and doing activities with our students while ensuring all the safety precautions for our students inside and outside the classroom.
Playing games is such an important part of a student’s life. These memories hold a different place in every student’s heart. Apart from studies, whenever we think of school we think of times spent with our friends playing and enjoying. Our students are creating memories for life. They are students of Class III playing basketball together since it’s Covid time they are wearing masks. We hope our students make many more special and memorable memories in school everyday and enjoy their students life to the fullest.
<Online Project>
Mathematics Class
Science Class
This year undoubtedly burdened the world with infinite challenges for the education system. In the context of Nepal the digitisation in education was more of a struggle for many government schools in Nepal. Most of the schools are not well equipped with the technological support to run the class for online education. We have been teaching through online to Baraha and Balamta school for a year now. This year we were skeptical in regards to the ongoing pandemic crisis but we recently resumed the online classes from Kathmandu for Baraha and Balamta school upon their request and dire need. The online class is for grade 10 students. We are teaching two major subjects Science and Maths. The response from the schools and students is overwhelming.
Sharad Rai, our founder delivered an online lecture to more than 100 high school students on January 12. The goal of the lecture was to motivate the students by sharing education problems that YouMe Nepal is trying to solve in Nepal. Students listened enthusiastically. We really hope the lecture will help them understand more about the education system not only in Japan but in other countries as well.