This spring, Tergar Schools Kathmandu welcomed a group of educators and leaders from Nepal’s Terai region for a meaningful learning exchange. Coordinated by Karkhana Samuha under the Kheldai Sikdai Kakshya project, the visit created a shared space to explore how play and mindfulness can shape more engaging and supportive classrooms.
Among the visitors were Dinesh Kumar Chaudhary, Mayor of Paterwa Sugauli Rural Municipality, and Juna Timalsina, Education Officer of Chandrapur Municipality, joined by headteachers and School Management Committee members from the region. Together, they brought diverse experiences and a shared curiosity about reimagining education.
During the visit, participants explored the Buddhist Experience Curriculum (BEC), a unique part of the Tergar Schools approach, and how its principles can complement contemporary learning. Participants moved beyond theory through:
- Hands-on Practice: Participating in mindfulness sessions led by Lopon Karma Youten.
- Immersive Observations: Witnessing classroom management and teacher–student interactions in action.
- Deep Dives: Engaging with a presentation on the Tergar Schools Model of Learning by Principal Bikash Deshar.
At the heart of what we shared was a simple yet powerful idea: Basic Goodness. It is the understanding that every child carries an innate capacity for awareness, love, compassion, wisdom, and joy — and a natural wish to be happy and free from suffering. We believe this idea is essential for educators to recognize and nurture. When acknowledged, it shapes a way of learning that goes beyond academics, supporting not only how students learn, but who they become — joyful, resilient, and deeply connected to others.
As Prekchhya Shrestha, Program Manager, shared:
“Participants saw firsthand how teachers weave reflection and calm into everyday lessons. The visit encouraged education leaders to reflect on how these practical and adaptable approaches could be implemented in their own schools to create more supportive and engaging learning environments.”
By connecting across regions and sharing the BEC approach, this exchange sparked new possibilities for a more compassionate, mindful, and engaging future in education. Tergar Schools hopes these ideas will ripple outward, inspiring educators to nurture not just knowledge, but the hearts and minds of every learner — wherever they teach and learn.
