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In the aftermath of the 2015 Nepalese Earthquake, The Juniper Trust has been unwavering in its dedication to supporting remote and vulnerable mountain communities in the Sindhupalchok district. Unfortunately, disaster relief efforts brought a stark disparity in the allocation of funds. While popular areas along the Everest trek received significant aid, the poverty-stricken and less frequented southern regions were left in dire need of help.
Over the past eight years, The Juniper Trust has been a beacon of hope for the Sindhupalchok district. We have worked tirelessly to rebuild twenty schools close to the epicenter, situated between Jiri and Lukla in the gateway to the Solu Khumbu. Our efforts have extended beyond mere reconstruction; we have provided essential school equipment and uniforms, bringing a sense of equality and hope to this previously neglected region.
Through our funding and support, we have created a more robust platform for education delivery, even for the poorest and most vulnerable children who previously could not afford uniforms. This has given them the opportunity to access an education that was once beyond their reach.
However, our work is far from complete. Two major challenges persist. Firstly, teachers currently lack the adequate training required to deliver high-quality lessons in both pedagogy and subject content. Notably, early years learning, spoken English, and practical science are areas that require attention. Secondly, the schools still face a dire need for essential equipment to facilitate effective and engaging lessons. The lack of access to adequate libraries remains a primary concern.
To address these constraints comprehensively, we launched the Nepal Quality Schools Project in November 2021. This initiative aims to provide teacher training, establish well-stocked and diverse libraries, and furnish schools with the necessary equipment to deliver the highest possible level of education. Currently, ten schools, will take part in a two-year teacher training program. Additionally, construction of a central library is underway at Uma Kunda and Maili Schools, with plans to share them with other participating schools. In the coming years, the project will expand to several more schools rebuilt by The Juniper Trust.
The teacher training program involves an initial assessment of schools by trainers to identify areas for improvement. Subsequently, a one-day conference for head teachers will establish good management and policy protocol. A clear and executable program for Nepali and English teachers will then be developed, providing pedagogic tactics to deliver clear and applicable education across various subjects, including drama, language, science, art, and more.
However, our work is far from complete. Two major challenges persist. Firstly, teachers currently lack the adequate training required to deliver high-quality lessons in both pedagogy and subject content. Notably, early years learning, spoken English, and practical science are areas that require attention. Secondly, the schools still face a dire need for essential equipment to facilitate effective and engaging lessons. The lack of access to adequate libraries remains a primary concern.
To address these constraints comprehensively, we launched the Nepal Quality Schools Project in November 2021. This initiative aims to provide teacher training, establish well-stocked and diverse libraries, and furnish schools with the necessary equipment to deliver the highest possible level of education. Currently, ten schools, will take part in a two-year teacher training program. Additionally, construction of a central library is underway at Uma Kunda and Maili Schools, with plans to share them with other participating schools. In the coming years, the project will expand to several more schools rebuilt by The Juniper Trust.
The teacher training program involves an initial assessment of schools by trainers to identify areas for improvement. Subsequently, a one-day conference for head teachers will establish good management and policy protocol. A clear and executable program for Nepali and English teachers will then be developed, providing pedagogic tactics to deliver clear and applicable education across various subjects, including drama, language, science, art, and more.
Our overarching aim is to ensure that all children, including marginalized groups, are taught in a friendly and supportive environment, where they can enjoy coming to school and acquire skills, knowledge, and understanding through careful instruction, demonstration, discussion, and practical activities. This will be achieved by working respectfully and symbiotically with individual communities, tailoring our approach to their specific needs, and providing them with the tools to create and shape a better, sustainable future for themselves. We firmly believe that a good education is a ladder to a future full of possibilities and opportunities for every single villager.
To contribute further, we seek to raise £5000 for continued teacher training, the procurement of 2000 library books, and specialist equipment for teachers and children to improve their learning potential. We believe that education is the ladder to endless possibilities, and through your support, we aim to empower the schools we have rebuilt with this opportunity.
Our first teacher training session will take place in November this year, led by three dedicated Juniper Trust volunteers: Chris and Justin, who have retired after long careers in education in the UK’s Lake District, and their daughter Holly. They plan to travel to Nepal in Autumn 2023 to contribute their expertise and assist with our initial teacher training sessions at the Juniper Trust Schools. Their involvement will include providing specialist equipment and delivering books for the community libraries.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation for your support, as your contribution can make a significant difference in the lives of these communities and shape a brighter future for their children.
30 Wordsworth Street
Penrith, Cumbria
CA11 7QY, United Kingdom
Registered Charity Number: 1053356
