Project details

This project will train a group of 40 key teachers to be teacher trainers to improve the education of more than 12,000 kids in over 130 schools in the Solu Khumbu Himalayan region of Nepal.

Project background

This 2009 Key teacher phase of our Teacher Training and Quality Education (TTQE) project builds on the several years of successful grassroots education projects.

We are very excited to expand this program to the lower regions of the SoluKhumbu that until recently have had little access to quality education opportunities. In particular, the training program will include at least 50% of teachers from this new region who will have to trek for up to week to attend the course.

The Footprints Network is proud to provide funding for the 2009 TTQE program. You can read past project and participant reports here.

The project costs will cover:

• The training program for at least 40 primary school teachers  to be teacher trainers.
• Field costs (including accommodation, food, travel allowance) for key trainers and AHF program coordinator
• Supply of much needed materials and resources to the schools

Educational improvements

The Teacher Training, Quality Educational program aims to increase the opportunities for kids in this impoverished Himalayan region by greatly improving:

• Teaching and learning levels
• The rates of retention and transition into secondary school
• An understanding of how students learn through child psychology
• Teaching practices that promote critical and creative thinking to engage learners
• The availability of trained teachers in all subjects – thus easing a severe shortage
• On-going local capacity to train, mentor and supervise other local teachers
• Leadership and team-building skills (part of the training session )

Educational issues in this region of Nepal

In the impoverished and remote regions of Solu Khumbu there are very limited opportunities for kids.

With highly unsatisfactory learning outcomes and retention rates, teacher education is the most effective way to combat this.  With appropriate teaching methods there is every likelihood that there will be an increase student participation and retention in schools. It also facilitates significant increases in community support (vital for attendance), social cohesion and local involvement in schools.

Better education in turn increases their employment prospects as well as contributing to community well-being.

Community Involvement

The TTQE program is run in conjunction with the local community and experienced volunteers, ensuring sustainable benefits and increased community support.

The AHF project team is led by a highly experienced teacher training coordinator together with a team of Australian volunteer teacher trainers and local Nepalese teacher trainers. All teachers are from the local communities.

Other ways to get involved with this project:

Australian teachers (and other nationalities) can participate as volunteer trainers of key teachers as well as helping with general teacher training. Please contact the AHF

You can also visit some of the 120 schools involved as a member of an AHF support trek (coordinated by World Expeditions), subject to availability and timings.