What we do

Classroom learning Improvement Programme (CLIP)

‘The quality of education [in Nepal] is generally poor…schools often lack child- and girl-friendly facilities, and child-centred teacher-learning environments. Only just over 50% of teachers are trained, they rely on simplistic teacher-centred classroom practices’ (UNICEF)

Formal training and teaching qualifications are still viewed as a secondary requirement in order to teach in schools. Most of the public school teachers in Nepal use traditional methods of teaching which comprises of lecturing and memorisation; they do not know how to introduce student participation to generate a creative and active learning process. It means that the use of child centered learning pedagogy is missing.

Public Schools in Nepal often lack appropriate funding and resources to adequately hire qualified teachers. As English is an international language, it is becoming more and more of a required skill for job placements, educational advancement and future success. Many classes are delivered in English by Nepali teachers, who frequently have only a basic knowledge of English themselves. Therefore, there is limited opportunity for Nepali students to expand their knowledge and use of the English language without direct contact with a teacher fluent in English.
Read More...............

..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Children Health and Sanitation Program

GAN’s health and sanitation programme focuses on raising awareness of and improving practices in health, hygiene and sanitation amongst schools, children and communities.

Instead of simply constructing facilities in schools which may prove unsustainable, GAN believes in the active participation of children, schools and the community and of increasing the capacity of civil society groups. To this end the programme trains local young volunteers in health, hygiene and sanitation, highlighting knowledge, attitude and skills. The programme then supports the volunteers in conducting their own localised awareness campaigns, which may use open theatre or puppet shows. Child clubs are also used to help transfer health, hygiene and sanitation knowledge, attitudes and skills to other children. Meetings are organised between school education stakeholders, social leaders and health organisations which not only helps to raise awareness further but also develops a coordinated understanding and approach. The programme supports the formulation of an implementation plan which involves children, Children Education Concern Groups, women’s groups, Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs), School Management Committees (SMCs), health related agencies and other civil society groups. The programme also conducts capacity building workshops on subjects such as proposal writing, fund raising, income generating activities, and aspects of good governance. Finally, any construction of facilities that does take place is done with the active involvement of children, community members, PTAs and SMCs. GAN believes that this active involvement together with all the other activities means that the facilities will be maintained, used properly and improved upon in the future.

Community Capacity Development

Children's lives begin from home and a child’s wellbeing and future in part depends upon the family, how s/he has been brought up. Educating children is not merely the responsibility of schools and teachers but their parents as well. Parents often do not have a sense of responsibility beyond day to day living and therefore, most of them rarely pay attention to their children’s education. There is little interaction with schools and almost no formal structure to address issues relating to their child’s education. There is, therefore, a considerable gap between schools and parents. To a certain extent this is due to a high illiteracy rate. Another factor is that there is a lack of awareness amongst parents. There is a lack awareness concerning their child’s education; the benefits of education; child rights; and women’s rights. There must be participation of the community in school's activities or at least the involvement of the parents or guardians, in order to generate interest, a sense of ownership and a sense of responsibility amongst the community.

Children Life skill Development Programme

Children are the present and the future of the country, the means by which any real change must come about. In the present context of Nepal, children are excluded from practicing their rights as laid down by the Child Rights Convention. Public (state) school education in Nepal has been predominantly designed around passing examinations, without offering much opportunity for children to practice their learning outside the classroom. The tendency of the formal school system in Nepal is to finish the course book regardless of

whether learning takes place or not. As such, the true potential of children is not realised. Taking this into account, GAN supports schools to form a child club simultaneously to their formal teaching.

Volunteer Programme

Starting a career in development can be challenging. Getting that first paid job often requires experience, but how do you get that initial experience?

The Career Enhancement Volunteer Programme has been set up to allow recent graduates (in development studies, or related area) to obtain focused experience within the development sector. The programme will also help graduates clarify the areas in which they want to work in their future career.

As well as an opportunity to enhance your career prospects, volunteering is one of the most rewarding and enjoyable things that you can do, especially in a developing country like Nepal where the people are so friendly, respectful and interested in what you are doing. The giving of your time and energy makes you feel good about yourself and raises your self-esteem.

By volunteering you can meet people you might not ordinarily meet. People who volunteer often say that they get more out of the experience than they give.

Child Bright Future Programm (CBFP)

The Children Bright Future Programme was initiated in a remote mountainous district, Solukhumbu, back in 1996, with the support of sponsors mainly from the UK. Since then, GAN has served as many as 500 marginalised children, the majority of them being girls; helping them attain school level education. At present there are 160 children enrolled in the programme.

For Nepal to progress and develop it needs to harness the skills of its best and brightest – but poor students are often simply not able to continue to as high a standard of education as they would like.

In line with the UN Convention on the Rights of a Child, GAN recognises the importance of a child as an individual and as a member of a family and community. In order to provide a sustainable context within which a child can achieve their potential, the Children Bright Future Programme delivers positive changes not only to an individual child but also to the entire family and community. GAN identifies the poorest communities in the project area and supports each individual family to raise their living standard and to support their children's education.