Thank you for your ongoing support!
This global pandemic has really brought some stressful times with the rise in the cases, innumerable deaths reported in many countries but we are determined and resilient and we are continuing to fight the battle by doing our bits by following the instructions implied by the Government and keeping the social distancing and wearing masks at public places to keep ourselves and others safe and protected.

<YouMe School,Khotang>
[Distributed Textbooks]
Last week YouMe School, Khotang distributed new textbooks to the students. Our school cautiously ensured the social and physical distancing arrangements therefore a locality wise schedule was made so that the guardians could visit accordingly.
Though it was time consuming, this process apparently helped us minimize the risks of people overcrowding and distribute the books hassle free.

Our teachers checked the temperature of parents and students who came to collect the textbooks.
Our teachers made sure to practice social distancing instructions. We urged our parents to wash and sanitize hands frequently, covering coughs using sleeves or disposable tissue to help prevent spread.

Our student Govinda Budhathoki from Grade V is all smiles after receiving the new textbooks for his upcoming class.
Regardless of the adverse situation we are facing at this very moment due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we have managed to distribute our next academic session’s textbooks to our students in Khotang. We can see the excitement and exuberance of our students as nothing can beat the feeling of getting new books and stationeries for new classes. It is always a proud moment for any student in their student’s life. And we are extremely happy with their achievements.
Congratulations to all our students!!

[Building Extension Work Underway in Khotang]
Our third floor building construction work is ongoing in Khotang. The work commenced from June 25th 2020 and is expected to complete in August 2020. As school is growing and to fulfill the need for more infrastructure the idea for third floor extension was developed. Hence, now our school will have a space for our young and fresh minds to live and create memories to cherish for the rest of their lives.

[Teacher’s Corner]
This month we have featured our teacher Kala Rai who has been with us since the early days of YouMe School and she is sharing her experience with us.

Can you describe how this crisis has impacted our education system in Khotang in the current situation?

At first there was so much confusion and chaos regarding the situation when pandemic started hitting off and soon after that the lockdown was announced.
Thankfully we were able to conduct our final exams on time. Also, there were not any cases in Khotang at that time but later some cases were found but immediately required actions were taken and the situation was under control.
But we still were very scared so social and physical distancing was mandated which helped us adapt the situation.
Nonetheless, we all know the education aspect was the most affected area so was our school. While school is closed, the communication part becomes challenging as in villages not everyone has access to proper technology and gadgets so communicating with everyone is very difficult.
Sometimes we have even visited some student’s homes when we were not able to contact them repeatedly. I think on positive note we are all safe and sound including my students thus I hope to see everyone soon.

How have you been engaging the students in learning amidst the Covid-19 pandemic? Can you describe the challenges that came along with this new learning adaption?

Considering the current situation our school initiated an idea to connect with our students and parents via phone calls and text messages ensuring their safety and well-being. And we started giving assignments through phone calls and messages. This was the best we could do at that point of time effectively.
As in Khotang the network problem is so common, even if it rains the network goes off, the electricity is unstable hence phone’s battery life is another problem. In some parts there is electricity and in other there’s not, some students had phones and some didn’t however we were adamant and we kept going. We did everything possible we could and made sure to connect with everyone.
But I must say our students and parents were so supportive and co-operative even if we had difficulty getting through calls sometimes they would call us back and some students even came to visit us at home for their assignments. So, the transition from classrooms to phone calls were not easy but it was all worth taking risk.

What parts of being at school are you missing at the moment?

I am very fond of children and I miss every moment being at school. I think I am happiest when I am around my students, teaching and learning together in a classroom, the fun activities we used to do together, their laughter and their innocent mischievousness. I think I miss everything. (She smiles and says)

You are one of the few members associated since the establishment of our school, so what are the major changes you have witnessed over the period of time?

I am still in awe whenever I see our school’s transformation.  We started from very little and now we have almost every requirement and pre-requisites fulfilled, I can safely say that. As time passed, we had more students coming and with that we tried satisfying every basic need that came on our way, be it better infrastructure, well-equipped libraries and labs to musical instruments and educational materials and resources, electronic gadgets etc. that are imperative for a quality education and environment for our students. As of now we have more qualified manpowers and our quality has also improved a lot compared to our early days. And I am extremely proud and elated to be part of something which has made so much contribution in shaping the future of this place’s children.

 Describe your proud memories and your experiences with us so far. Message for our supporters.

As I mentioned earlier, this school has been an important part of my life and the experience I have gained through these years are priceless and exceptional. I am glad that I have been able to contribute my bit. We have different scholarship facilities to those who can’t afford the school expenses and I can see how helpful this has become in their lives as they get to attend the school. I am confident that we can play a huge part in changing the lives of people by providing quality education and shaping the future. 

Lastly, we are immensely grateful for all the endearing love and continuous support from our supporters. Thank you all for being a part of our YouMe School family and we are tremendously happy to be sharing our journey with you all. 

<YouMe School,Biratnagar>
[Introduction of Students]
With the closures of schools due to Covid-19, almost everywhere the pandemic affected countries have switched to online classes and are bound to stay at homes. Here we bring some glimpses of our dear students’ everyday activities besides the online class.
Name: Chandani Rai
Grade: IX
Hobbies: Loves travelling, listening to music, reading stories and gardening
Head Girl of school and the winner of Miss YouMe 2019

Chandani shares her sudden growing interest in flowers.She says I have always loved nature and now she is enjoying taking care of plants and flowers; it relieves her stress, she excitingly speaks her thoughts.
She adds due to the pandemic we are all inside our homes and I cannot meet my friends and play, study with them. Also helping chores at home and helping run errands for my Aunt have helped me become more independent likewise I am enjoying my quality time with the family.
I am loving to discover my new hobbies and interests, it has helped me understand so many things in different perspectives. Besides, whatever free time I have I always try to engage myself in studying.

Name: Hridesh Rai
Grade: IX
Hobbies: Enjoys playing musical instruments, drawing and listening to music
Head Boy of school and the winner of Master YouMe 2019

I had a penchant for music ever since childhood and playing guitar is another my favorite time pass. I love playing guitar and whenever I am in a good mood I grab my guitar and start playing it.

The other interesting habit I am recently inclined to is drawing. It in fact relaxes and helps me instantly to refresh my mood. Whenever I am bored or tired of doing something I immediately start drawing. I believe this activity has also developed my skill in remaining focused and composed. Though I miss being at school with my teachers and friends, I am glad this lockdown has allowed me to do all my favorite activities at home and still remain creatively active, says Hridesh.

Thank you for reading.
See you next time.