Maniram Yadav Diktel, Rupakot Majhuwagadi 12, Khotang
“I have spent 20 years as a science teacher in government and community schools. Many of the postings have been outside home, mostly in the hills. And I am very accustomed to the way of living although there are vast differences in culture, language and how the society operates. This society in Khotang, in particular, is a homogeneous society – families of similar lineage, language, beliefs, and culture. It is also a ‘Matwaali’ society which I think is the one reason there is less competition in schools compared to where I come from. From laid back farmers who enjoy their drink and festivals come children who I would say are not as ambitious as their counterparts in a heterogeneous society. Everyone knows everyone here and winning or competing is not given so much of importance. A student failing an exam does not get the same reaction from their parents that I see in Terai. If the school does not work, there is always work in the fields. I had brought my son here and he had joined the school here. After a while, he came complaining that he was not getting the required ‘dose’ of the competition he was used to in his home school. So he decided to return. Also, many boys in school aspire to become “Lahure”. So coming to school for them is to somehow pass the SEE examinations. There are pressing issues that also affect schools in Terai. Caste, class, and gender are the major issues there. Many ‘Dalits’ do not have access and the resources to participate in the education system designed by the state. Girls are left behind and discriminated. Back home, in my tole, I am quite sure not many have passed the SEE exams. These are just my observations and regardless of what I experience here, I try to adopt a way of teaching which will benefit societies in Nepal. There is a need for dramatic change in the education system. But I try and do things to the best of my ability. And this would not have been possible with the support from the strangers who welcome me into their villages and town and give me the respect without asking. I have spent more time with them than I have with my own family. They have become family and I have never felt left out.”
