Building Futures Through Early Childhood Education: The Story of Unique and Anushka Lopchan

Gupteswor Early Childhood Development Center of Konjyosome Rural Municipality, Nallu-4, offers a vibrant space for the 15 young learners (10 girls and 5 boys). As ECD programs in Nepal serves as a vital stepping stone, supporting children to adapt a structured learning environment can act as foundation laying for their educational journey. Unique Lopchan (3-years-old) and his 5-years-old sister, Anushka lopchan are among the students in Gupteswor ECD, whose educational experiences reflect both the promise and challenges of early learning in rural areas.

Unique Lopchan, who was enrolled in the ECD during this educational fiscal year, comes to ECD from Muldanda Nallu, which is approx. 20-minute walking distance from school. His parents, Kumar and Sunita Lopchan, juggles between seasonal labor work at a brick kiln during the winter and agricultural farming throughout the year to support their family. Anushka, now in her second year at ECD, has faced her own challenges as a shy and reserved child. However, with the consistent encouragement of her facilitators, she has made significant progress in her learning skills, confidently identifying and writing letters and numbers up to 10. Her growing engagement in class activities demonstrates her developing confidence and comfort in the school environment.

A significant obstacle for Unique and Anushka is their family’s seasonal work. During the six months their parents spend at the brick kiln, the children accompany them, leading to extended absences from school. This disruption affects their academic and social development, making it more difficult for them to keep up with their peers. Despite these interruptions, the ECD facilitators at Shree Gupteswor Secondary School remain committed to supporting children like Unique and Anushka. They create a nurturing and interactive environment through personalised attention, engaging activities, and group play, ensuring that the children experience joy in learning and grow at their own pace.

This ECD program is part of a broader initiative aimed at strengthening early childhood education in rural Nepal, focusing on creating inclusive and stimulating spaces for young learners. By addressing the challenges posed by socio-economic disparities and limited access to education, the program equips children with the skills, confidence, and social connections they need to thrive. For children like Unique and Anushka, the impact of these formative experiences is profound. Despite interruptions in attendance, the lessons they learn and the connections they build lay the groundwork for their future success. Continued investment in initiatives like this is essential to ensure that more children in rural communities have the opportunity to reach their potential, even in the face of adversity.

Bringing this impact brings changes in the livelihood and ultimately brings change in the community. Creating these types of small impact had only been possible through the financial support of Moving Mountains e.V., Germany.