Kathmandu- At a time when there is growing concern over the need to improve the quality of community education, some community schools have demonstrated excellence by achieving remarkable results. Among these, Vishwaniketan Secondary School, a leading institution within the Kathmandu Valley, has established itself as a model school. Below are key highlights from a conversation with the school's Principal, Heramba Raj Kadel, covering topics such as the current education system, the quality of community education, the School Education Bill, and more:

What is needed to improve community schools in Nepal?
According to Principal Kadel, school leadership plays a critical role in delivering quality education. Though he is a principal, he considers himself a servant, not a boss. For meaningful progress, all stakeholders-teachers, administrators, parents, and local representatives-must work together in a triangular partnership.

What should the government do to improve community education?
Out of 35,000 schools in Nepal, about 27,500 are community schools. These institutions must provide quality education, but many are failing to do so. The government needs to ensure adequate resources, trained teachers, sufficient teaching positions, and basic infrastructure. At the same time, private schools must be properly regulated.

What is your view on ECD teachers and school staff in the context of the School Education Bill?
ECD (Early Childhood Development) teachers lay the foundation of education. They nurture and educate very young children who are often not yet able to communicate or manage basic hygiene on their own. Therefore, ECD teachers should be officially recognized as teachers, not merely facilitators. The government should also ensure fair remuneration for ECD teachers and all school staff.

What contributed to the success of Vishwaniketan School?
When Principal Kadel took leadership in 2015 (2072 BS), the school had about 2,000 students. A decade later, it now has around 4,500 students. This growth is the result of collective effort, subject diversification, and relevant programs. The school offers advanced science and health-related courses such as HA, Pharmacy Diploma, CMLT, and Dental Hygiene (PRC courses equivalent to Grades 11–12 Science), approved by the Government of Nepal.

How is the school financially managed?
Out of 162 staff members, 62 receive government grants while 100 are paid through the school’s private resources. For this, the school collects a modest annual fee from parents:

• Grades 1–3: NPR 1,400

• Grades 4–5: NPR 1,700

• Grades 6–7: NPR 2,300

• Grade 8: NPR 2,700

• Grades 9–10: NPR 2,925

Despite the low fees, the school offers quality education and skill-based training. For Grades 11–12, a socialist system is applied: students from well-off families pay while economically disadvantaged, hardworking, and bright students are offered free education based on entrance exams. Currently, 400 students are studying on scholarships.

What makes a school a “good school”? What should students consider when choosing subjects and schools after SEE?
After the SEE exam, students should choose their subjects based on their interests, aspirations, and abilities—not due to peer pressure or family influence. Every subject has its own value in its respective field. Academic performance based solely on rote learning should not determine subject selection.

Similarly, school selection should not rely on flashy advertisements. Students and parents should evaluate the school’s physical infrastructure, labs, qualified teachers, library, academic environment, track record, and student achievements. Vishwaniketan Secondary School at Tripureshwor is one such institution that can be considered—and should be thoroughly researched before making a decision.