When we had to close our school for almost two years during the pandemic, these students fell behind. I can’t blame them—they were in Kindergarten when COVID-19 hit, and they had to learn from home with printed educational packets for a big chunk of their early childhood. So starting third grade fully back in-person this year was a big change in their young lives.

Many of the students in this class were acting out. We call this being chak chake in Nepali. Classes at Kopila are taught in English, but some children in this class couldn’t read or write yet (as you might know, reading by Grade 3 is a crucial skill). It was clear that these students needed extra support, and something needed to change.

Their teachers, Punam and Poonam (who is a Kopila Valley graduate herself) put their heads together. First, they identified and addressed gaps in their students’ education using internationally recognized exams. Punam was trained as a Learning Lab special education teacher to better address students’ learning differences. The pair began the hard work of getting their class back up to speed.

They committed to only speaking English in the classroom and making an effort to teach new words. Punam would use a new word in a sentence and then ask, “How do you say that in Nepali?” to ensure the class understood the meaning. Each student was also given a journal, and they spent 10 minutes a day writing in English.

Because several students struggled with anger—which caused their behavior outbursts—the teachers created an anger flow chart outlining different actions to take when students felt that emotion. They could take a 5 minute break, journal about their feelings, or have a conversation with a teacher.

Punam and Poonam also hosted meetings with the students’ guardians and started a group chat to share what students were learning in class and would need to study at home each week. Since not all guardians can read and write, the teachers sent voice messages instead of texts. They also visited students at home to make sure each student has a safe environment and good nutrition outside the classroom.

I’m proud to share with you that today, our third-graders are fluent in English. They talk comfortably and confidently, standing up in front of the classroom to practice their public speaking skills. The students continue to journal daily about their feelings and experiences. They’re even challenging their peers in other classes to do the same!

I tell this story to you as a reminder of the growth that is possible when we put children first, look at the whole picture, and show up for them day after day. Your investment turns tough situations around and makes futures brighter than before.

This holiday season, will you grow wiser with us? Make a gift to BlinkNow to provide more students in Nepal with dedicated teachers like Punam and Poonam. You’ll give these bright young minds the resources they need to succeed at school and in future careers—and become the changemakers that our country and our world needs.

Thank you for being a part of our students’ support network and growing alongside us. It means so much to have you as a part of our global family.

With gratitude,
Tope

Tope Malla
Kopila Valley Co-Founder and Board Chair

P.S. A donation of $20 a month provides 3 students with textbooks, educational materials, and supplies. Grow your impact with a gift that changes the world!