A groundbreaking initiative called ‘Textbook-Free Friday’ has been launched by the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) in Nepal. Aimed at enhancing students’ practical skills and providing opportunities for extracurricular activities, the project has already shown promising results in community schools across the city.
As part of the initiative, 56 out of 89 community schools have designated Fridays as ‘textbook-free’ days, allowing students to engage in hands-on learning experiences. Ninth-grader Subash Ghimire, initially aspiring to go abroad after completing his Secondary Education Examination (SEE), changed his mind after participating in mobile repairing classes offered by Durbar High School for eight consecutive Fridays. Ghimire now hopes to live and work in Nepal, thanks to the skills he has acquired.
“The mobile repairing training has given me hope and confidence,” expressed Ghimire, who comes from a family with two brothers living abroad. He believes that if more courses like this are offered, it will inspire many other students to stay in Nepal and pursue their dreams.
Durbar High School, in collaboration with the KMC, has introduced vocational courses such as mobile repairing and metro kheti (vegetable cultivation) for ninth graders. The school has also partnered with Rastriya Nachghar, where students in grades six to eight can explore their interests in dance, singing, and other hobbies.
To address concerns that parents may hesitate to send their children to school without textbooks, Durbar High School has implemented weekly unit tests that serve as a revision of the week’s activities. Once the tests are completed, students actively participate in extracurricular activities, fostering their holistic development.
The KMC allocated Rs20 million for the pilot project and received positive feedback from both parents and community schools. The initiative offers a range of short-term courses in agriculture, urban farming, cosmetology, carpentry, culinary arts, fashion design, electrical wiring, mobile and electronic repairs, plumbing, stitching, and sculpture. Certified trainers from the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT) have been recruited to impart practical skills to the students.
In addition to the academic benefits, students from all grades are engaged in various extracurricular activities, including essay writing, music, and poetry recitation, to promote mental and physical growth.
Sita Bhusal, in charge of the pre-primary unit at Gyanodaya Secondary School, expressed her belief that the ‘textbook-free Friday’ initiative will inspire students to pursue their passions and recommended that the KMC extend support to all community schools to maximize the effectiveness of these days.
Former KMC education advisor, Reshu Aryal, highlighted the importance of this initiative, emphasizing that education goes beyond books and should incorporate practical skill development. Despite Aryal’s recent resignation, the KMC remains committed to continuing the project in the upcoming fiscal year and plans to increase the funding allocated to the educational sector in city schools.
The Nepal Guardians’ Federation has applauded the ‘textbook-free Friday’ initiative, recognizing the positive impact on both parents and students. They encourage other local bodies to follow suit, recognizing the symbiotic relationship between skills and education for the prosperity of the nation.