Dr. Prayan Pokharel, representing the Center for Environmental and Sustainable Agricultural Research (CESAR), recently participated in the BlinkNow Summit 2024, which took place from November 29 to December 1 at the inspiring Kopila Valley School in Surkhet. This summit brought together educators and leaders focused on transforming education and creating a lasting impact in Nepal.
CESAR is committed to improving science education in Nepal, particularly by empowering high school science teachers in public schools through hands-on workshops and training. Dr. Pokharel shared CESAR's mission and initiatives at the summit, emphasizing the importance of practical, engaging science education beyond traditional rote learning. Through CESAR's programs, teachers are equipped with tools to inspire students and foster critical thinking, which is essential for shaping Nepal's next generation of innovators.
The summit featured a series of thought-provoking sessions, and Dr. Pokharel participated in several discussions that aligned with CESAR's goals. One key session, led by Dr. Barry Haines, focused on curriculum development. Dr. Haines demonstrated how curriculums can be designed to foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills. His session included a hands-on activity where participants conducted fun experiments outside the classroom, such as dropping balls from different heights and measuring the time to reach the ground. This experiment highlighted the value of experiential learning, and Dr. Pokharel noted that CESAR is particularly committed to making science education more interactive and aligned with real-world issues. Dr. Haines' insights sparked valuable ideas for future curriculum improvements at CESAR.
Another summit highlight was the leadership session led by Dr. SP Kalaunee. Education leadership is central to CESAR's work, as strong leadership is required to drive systemic changes in the education sector. Dr. Kalaunee's session emphasized the importance of visionary leadership and resilience—crucial for those working to bring about educational reforms in Nepal. To make the session more engaging, Dr. Kalaunee organized a skit that depicted the challenges faced when carrying out projects in Nepal or working with the government. The skit helped participants understand the obstacles in implementing educational reforms and the importance of perseverance and collaboration.
Maggie Doyne, co-founder of Kopila Valley School, led a session on effective fundraising, sharing her journey of building and sustaining the school. Her insights on securing funding for educational initiatives were particularly valuable to CESAR as the organization seeks resources to expand its programs.
The summit concluded with a powerful session on personal empowerment led by Glenn Detrick. This session resonated deeply with Dr. Pokharel, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and resilience in overcoming challenges. The session served as a reminder that personal growth is key to effectively empowering others, especially in the education sector.
CESAR would like to thank the BlinkNow Foundation for hosting the summit and inviting Dr. Pokharel to represent the organization. The event was an invaluable opportunity to network with fellow educators and leaders, share experiences, and gain new insights into improving education in Nepal. A special thank you goes to Maggie Doyne for founding Kopila Valley School. This genuinely exceptional institution continues to impact students' lives in Surkhet and beyond positively.
Looking forward, CESAR remains committed to improving science education in Nepal and collaborating with organizations and individuals who share the vision of creating a more sustainable and equitable future for all. For more information on CESAR's work and initiatives, please visit the website or contact us directly.
Thank you again to BlinkNow Foundation, Kopila Valley School, and all those who made the summit a success.