Bardibas, Mahottari, September 29 — Deurali Secondary School in Bardibas Municipality-1 has been officially declared the first "Digital School" in the Mahottari district, marking a significant step toward modernizing community-based education in Nepal's Madhesh Province.
The declaration was made on Sunday during a formal ceremony, where Mayor Prahlad Kumar Chhetri inaugurated digital boards that have been installed in every classroom.
A New Message for Madhesh
Mayor Chhetri emphasized that the move is an achievement that will enhance students' access to the latest technology. He addressed the prevailing skepticism surrounding community schools in the region.
"In Madhesh, the narrative is often, 'What kind of education do you get in a community school?'" Mayor Chhetri stated. "This declaration will convey a new message for the entire Madhesh region, challenging that perception."
Digital Learning for All Students
The Deurali Secondary School boasts a total enrollment of 1,200 students from pre-primary to Grade 12. Additionally, 200 extra students are enrolled in diploma-level technical education programs, including Civil Engineering, Survey Engineering, and Forestry, which are affiliated with the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT).
According to Headmaster Kumar Ghimire, all subjects and classes, including the technical diplomas, will now be conducted entirely through the digital system.
"Now, teachers will teach all subjects using digital technology," Ghimire confirmed, adding that "All our teachers are proficient in this." A key benefit of the system, he noted, is that it will allow students to easily review and catch up on lessons they may have missed.
Staffing Challenges Remain
While the technological upgrade is complete, the school continues to grapple with human resource constraints. The current staff includes 26 teachers across various categories (permanent, temporary, relief, etc.).
Headmaster Ghimire highlighted a critical issue: despite the high student enrollment pressure at the secondary level, the school currently has only two permanent secondary-level teachers.
