Rijash’s Journey: Resilience and Learning Beyond Challenges
Shree Gothbhanjyang Secondary School in Dalchoki-3, Konjyosome Rural Municipality, provides education from Early Childhood Development (ECD) up to grade twelve. Since the launch of the READ Child-I phase project in 2019, NEW Initiative has been working and supporting this school’s ECD classroom through its project activities. Efforts include – classroom improvements, provision of educational materials, and teacher training, all aimed at enhancing the quality of early childhood education.
Since then, the school has seen a major transformation in its ECD classrooms. With support from READ Child-I, II and III project, the classrooms have been able to transform itself into child-friendly learning spaces, each with designated corners for reading, play, art, and resting. This structure has made learning more engaging and enjoyable for the children. New educational tools, such as books, puzzles, toys, and interactive learning aids, were introduced. These materials promote cognitive development and encourage active participation from children. The children now enjoying a more vibrant and resource-rich learning environment, which fosters their curiosity and learning abilities.
Six-year-old Rijash Tamang, a bright and energetic child, attends the Early Childhood Development Center (ECD) at Shree Gothbhanjyang Secondary School. Rijash lives with his grandparents in Damki, Dalchoki and walks approximately an hour each way to school daily. His father is working abroad as a labor work and his mother left is home and family. Despite facing family challenges, Rijash seems very resilient and determined for his education. Though exhausted by the time he arrives at ECD, his facilitators (Ms. Lalita & Ms. Sunmaya) allows him to rest before initiating his classroom activities.
Rijash joined ECD in this educational fiscal year and has quickly made a good impression with his enthusiasm and ability to form close relationships with other children in ECD. He participates eagerly in all activities, excelling in both English and Nepali alphabets, and shows a remarkable understanding of numbers. His intellectual abilities stand out, as he learns faster than most of his classmates. He enjoys playing, singing, dancing, reading, writing, and drawing—often speaking confidently about his favourite activities.
His ECD facilitator, Ms. Sunmaya Ghalan, praises his intelligence and dedication, noting how quickly he grasps new concepts. Despite the family’s hardship, Rijash’s energy and excitement for learning never waver. He regularly attends school, participates in every activity, and completes his classwork on time.
The READ Child-III project, has facilitated the creation of a safe and child-friendly environment in ECD where children like Rijash can thrive. His story highlights the importance of love, respect, and encouragement in a child’s development, emphasizing the roles of parents, teachers, and the community in nurturing children’s growth and learning.