A Thought-Provoking Journey into Educational Policy: My Visit to Roshi Gaunpalika

A Thought-Provoking Journey into Educational Policy: My Visit to Roshi Gaunpalika

As someone who believes in making the most of every free moment, I recently had the enriching opportunity to be a part of a significant educational dialogue — the Education Policy and Planning Workshop organized by Roshi Gaunpalika. The workshop marked the first phase of constructing the new education policy and plans for the rural municipality, and I feel privileged to have witnessed such a critical and foundational process in motion.

The event brought together a diverse and influential group of stakeholders — ward chairs from all 12 wards of the Gaunpalika, the deputy chairperson, school principals, and early childhood educators, all of whom are integral to shaping and implementing effective education at the local level. Their presence and active participation highlighted the collective will to bring positive transformation to the educational landscape of Roshi.

What made the workshop truly remarkable was the facilitation by Dr. Bal Chandra Luintel, Dean at Kathmandu University. His deep understanding of Nepal’s educational terrain and his ability to navigate complex conversations with clarity and inclusivity set the tone for a collaborative and open learning environment. Under his guidance, participants were encouraged to not only listen but also reflect, share, and co-create ideas rooted in real classroom and community experiences.

As an early childhood educator, I was naturally drawn to the interactions with the pre-primary teachers present at the workshop. I was thrilled to engage in meaningful conversations with them — not just about what happens in theory, but about the realities they face daily in their classrooms. Their stories — a blend of challenges, hopes, frustrations, and small victories — were deeply moving and honest. These exchanges reminded me yet again that policy without ground-level insight is incomplete.

What stood out during these discussions was how committed these teachers are, despite limited resources and systemic challenges. They shared their personal experiences — everything from managing multi-age classrooms to finding creative ways to keep children engaged. Many of them expressed that such workshops not only make them feel heard but also help them feel part of a larger mission — that they too are shaping the future of education, not just executing it.

This workshop wasn’t just another official event — it was a platform of empowerment and acknowledgment, especially for those educators who often remain unheard in the grander education debates. Hearing the voices of those on the frontlines helped me reflect even more deeply on the importance of inclusive policy-making. Those who are implementing the curriculum every day must be an integral part of creating it.

By the end of the day, the workshop proved to be an absolute success. It sowed the seeds for a participatory approach to educational reform and planning in Roshi Gaunpalika. More importantly, it initiated conversations that will likely ripple across the community and positively influence how education is approached in the years to come.

Personally, this experience added yet another valuable layer to my journey as an educator. Being a part of the workshop gave me firsthand insights into how policies are shaped, how voices from the grassroots matter, and how collaboration between government bodies and educators can lead to meaningful change. I walked away not only inspired but more committed to contributing wherever I can in the ever-evolving educational ecosystem of Nepal.

In learning, every experience counts — and this one will remain etched as one of the most eye-opening encounters of my professional journey.

With gratitude,
Priyanka Chaguthi
Early Childhood Educator | Vygotsky Nepal

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