By Nirbani Sharma
In Nepal’s various environments, schools represent an important function beyond just an educational experience – they are typically the center of the local village or town. A school structure itself does not provide an educational environment. For children to receive quality education, both the school leadership and the local community must be in sync and working together. An example of a cart moving with only one wheel is a picture of what could happen when two “wheels” (the school and community) do not work together as a team. The school is responsible for the classroom instruction, curriculum and discipline.
The community, through its School Management Committee (SMC), is responsible for providing the necessary resources to support the school, as well as overseeing the school. When the school and community develop a trusting relationship, the cart moves and the students benefit from a quality education. In our case, the community plays a significant role in our success. Since funding from the government of Nepal is not always sufficient to support all aspects of a school, developing relationships is key. As communities take pride in owning a school, they will assist the school in areas such as building walls and/or fences, as well as donating land for a playground. Additionally, the community acts as a protector/guardian. An active SMC ensures that teachers attend school regularly and that classes are functioning properly.
The SMC also represents the interests of the parents and ensures that the local culture and values are supported/represented within the school. While the partnership between the school and the community is essential, it is not always perfect. Politics can sometimes infiltrate the School Management Committee, creating unneeded controversy/conflict. At other times, a simple breakdown in communication occurs. Teachers may view parents as lacking in understanding of modern teaching practices, and parents may believe the school does not listen to their concerns.
The solution is simple: conversation. When schools hold public hearings (Sarwajanik Sunuwai) and treat parents as partners rather than just guardians, trust is built. Transparency in how funds are used and how decisions are made clears away suspicion. Conclusion Ultimately, the relationship between a school and its community management is based on a shared goal: the bright future of the children. When the school opens its doors to the community, and the community opens its heart to the school, we create an environment where education thrives. In Nepal, we often say that it takes a whole village to raise a child. It is equally true that it takes a whole community to run a successful school.
