Pokhara, the education hub

Its scenic setting, a more relaxed urban life has made Pokhara not just a tourism destination but also an educational hub. Pokhara has a long tradition of hosting good residential schools, and is seen by many families as a desirable alternative to Kathmandu for their children. With better road and air connectivity, Pokhara’s importance as an educational centre is likely to grow in future. Nepali Times spoke to five Pokhara educationists about the importance of their work.

Khem Lakai, CEO, GATE Vocational-FAB School

What is your school’s role in promoting tourism in Gandaki Province?

We are already the preferred school for many employers in the hospitality sector in Pokhara and beyond. That is because our graduates demonstrate a high level of professionalism and commitment for their chosen profession, and we wish to continuously improve the quality of the tourism sector in Pokhara and Gandaki Province, where tourism is the mainstay of the economy. The service sector needs and deserves highly competent and committed human capital that needs to be continually renewed as younger people join jobs.

It looks like Pokhara has become a hub for schools like yours.

We completely believe that Pokhara should be developed as Nepal’s education hub, and this school is our contribution. The federal government must reform some of the outdated policies like visas for international students and modernising policy. The Gandaki Province leadership is forward-thinking, Kathmandu needs to catch up. We have eight Vietnamese students already and there is potential for foreign students coming to Pokhara for hotel management training.

How were you affected by the pandemic?

We remained closed for several months, but quickly switched back to residential training where students resided on the premises, so that they could cover intensive hours of learning within the campus. FAB School operates like a living lab, having everything in the premises, such as bakery, kitchen lab, 14 bed training hotel, coffee shop and organic garden, which could easily accommodate learners and trainers in small size. We are unique because half the students are on scholarship and we prepare them to provide the hotel sector with staff who have relevant competence, not just a certificate.

Binu Gurung, Chair, Informatics College Pokhara

Why did you chose to locate your British degree college in Pokhara?

It was disheartening to see Pokhara’s youth migrating to Kathmandu and abroad for higher studies. We felt we had to do something to reverse that trend. We collaborated with the London Metropolitan University with its rich history with strong educational roots dating back to 1848 and which delivers Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) and is ranked 38th in the International Student Table. It is the first UK degree college in Pokhara, and represents a milestone in education here.

How were classes affected during the Covid-19 pandemic?

At Informatics College we responded with a range of online and other options for teachers, students and guardians. All classes were held as per the same timetable as physical classes. Each student had access to Coursera and sat for Structure Query Language classes via LinkedIn, where they received the certification. Final year projects were completed through online supervision. The written exam was replaced with course work for each module and graded.

What plans post-Covid?

We will move towards blended classrooms, the admission process is digitised, counseling is performed through Google Meets. Paper work for admission has been omitted. The feedback to online classes have been terrific.

Milan KC, Principal, Pokhara Montessori Kinderhome

Are you planning to reopen classes soon?

Currently preschools are trying to reopen up following the health and safety protocols. Preschools have been badly hit by the pandemic, and it has been a struggle to convince parents to send their children to school.

How did you conduct classes during the lockdown?

We upgraded the school to online learning. There were challenges to make children aged 2-6 to stay online as they need individual and physical attention. Online teaching was less effective for this age, so many schools gave workbook to help parents guide their children at home.  Early childhood is foundation-building time for children, and they need good guidance and protection. Parents, society and government are equally responsible to ensure quality of instruction.

Rojana Joshi, Principal, Pokhara Engineering College

How is your college contributing to Nepal’s higher education from Pokhara?

Our alumni are in all sectors of the economy in Pokhara and all over Nepal. They have jobs in Pokhara Municipality, Nepal Telecom, and Pokhara University. There are many who also chose to become entrepreneurs providing service within  the region as well.

How did the pandemic affect classes?

We had to abruptly stop internal exams which were running smoothly before the pandemic. Students were not able to take the board exams on scheduled dates, and had to wait nine months for it. It was also difficult to maintain the academic calendar for the University, extending the semester as a result.

Online classes were not as effective because many of the subjects need laboratory and field work. Online classes also suffered from bandwidth issues and also it was difficult to keep student constantly engaged.

Why did you chose Pokhara as the location for your college?

Pokhara is not only a hub for toursim, but also for education.

We have a university along with plenty of schools and specialised colleges in engineering, medical, hotel management, and nursing. The people of Gandaki Province do not need to go abroad for higher education any more.

Kiran K.C, Principal, La Grandee International College

What is the outlook for Pokhara as an education  hub? 

Pokhara is known for its diversity, it is rich in culture, religion, language, sports, environment, natural scenery. The people are known for their hospitality. Pokhara also located right at the centre of Nepal and is easily accessible to all parts of central Nepal. It is getting a new international airport, and the highways are being upgraded. Having Pokhara University here also helps. The climate is also moderate.

How bad was the pandemic for your school?

It had a big impact. We never expected it, and it was a very bitter experience. Pokhara’s tourism was devastated, and it had a knock-on effect on the rest of the economy. Businesses have not yet been able to get back on their feet. But we are adapting to the new normal and things are getting better.

How did the online classes go?

It was a real challenge. Since everything happened so suddenly we had to adapt. But every challenge comes with opportunities. We taught ourselves to conduct online classes effectively. All levels of academia ran virtual classes. Need generates solution, and that is what the pandemic taught us.