Grassroots Education Projects 15 Year Legacy

Introduction

A child without education is like a bird without wings. This Tibetan proverb perfectly captures the importance of education in a person’s life. In 2005, Mikey and Ali Church decided to forgo wedding gifts and instead asked for donations to start the Mikey Medium English School (MMES) in impoverished Far Western Nepal. Little did they know that this act of kindness would grow into an accomplished and admired educational institution for marginalized students, particularly girls. Over the past 15 years, MMES has made significant progress and is well on its way to achieving self-sustainability. Your donation can help accelerate this journey towards independence.

Six Reasons to Celebrate 15 Years of Growing Global Citizens at MMES

Reason #1: From Humble Beginnings to a Bright Future

In 2008, MMES had only 48 students in kindergarten through Grade 3. Most of these students had never been to school before, and the teachers themselves were inexperienced. Fast forward to 2023, and we now have 520 students enrolled in pre-kindergarten through Grade 8. The first batch of students has successfully completed secondary school and is now pursuing higher education and professional training. Some of our alumni have become teachers at MMES, while others are studying in prestigious institutions both in Nepal and abroad. Your donation can help us continue this journey of educational excellence.

Reason #2: Building a Solid Foundation

In 2008, MMES operated out of a small concrete building with four cramped classrooms. There was no electricity, and the conditions were far from ideal. By 2010, we had managed to construct six classrooms using mud and lumber walls with a thatched roof. However, the monsoon season often caused damage to the roof. Today, we are proud to say that we have six permanent buildings with 20 spacious classrooms built by MMES. These buildings have large windows, ceiling fans, and indoor bathrooms. Each classroom proudly displays student projects and awards. Your donation can help us further improve our infrastructure and provide a conducive learning environment for our students.

Reason #3: Embracing the Power of Technology

In 2008, MMES lacked basic amenities like electricity and technology. Students learned about computers by copying diagrams from the board, while teachers relied on the traditional call and response method of instruction. Fast forward to 2023, and we have made tremendous progress in incorporating technology into our classrooms. We now have electricity, internet connectivity, computers, laptops, Chromebooks, and even Apple Mac minis. Our students and teachers actively participate in Zoom sessions with their peers in the USA. We have also embraced project-based learning and prioritize a challenging English curriculum. Your donation can help us further enhance our technological capabilities and provide our students with the best educational resources.

Reason #4: Empowering Educators

In 2008, MMES had only five teachers, most of whom had a limited education themselves. Only one had formal training as a primary teacher, and only three were proficient in English. Today, we have a team of 20 teachers, many of whom have completed formal teacher education certification beyond high school. Our teachers are accomplished in reading, writing, and speaking English. We also have dedicated non-teaching staff who ensure the cleanliness of our classrooms and grounds. Your donation can help us invest in teacher development programs and ensure that our educators have the necessary skills to provide quality education to our students.

Reason #5: Expanding Horizons

In 2008, the students at MMES had limited exposure to the outside world. The Church family, along with a few English-speaking volunteers, were among the first to visit the region. Since then, we have welcomed 16 volunteers who have lived with local families and worked at MMES. The Church family themselves has made multiple trips to teach classes and build school management capacity. Our current principal, Balraj Bhat, has visited the USA three times to learn new educational strategies. Many of our teachers are also members of the Nepali English Language Teachers Association (NELTA) and receive ongoing professional development. Your donation can help us continue to provide exposure and opportunities for our students and educators.

Reason #6: Leading with Vision and Dedication

In 2008, the principal of MMES had no prior experience in school management or teaching. However, with the support of the teachers, they were eager to learn new strategies and improve the school. Today, our principal, Balraj Bhat, is highly regarded for his commitment to the education of all children in the community. He envisions MMES as a safe space where children are encouraged to learn through positive incentives. He actively fosters teacher development and ensures transparency in school management by regularly sharing rosters, budgets, and instructional improvement plans with parents, teachers, and the Grassroots Education Nepal Board of Directors. Your donation can help us sustain and strengthen the leadership at MMES.

Grassroots Education Nepal: Empowering MMES

Grassroots Education Nepal (GEN) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the Mikey Medium English School (MMES) in Far Western Nepal. GEN’s 14-member Board of Directors focuses on two main priorities: ensuring that MMES has the resources to educate children from impoverished backgrounds and helping the school become self-sustainable. Thanks to GEN’s financial support, MMES has been able to construct a larger school campus with three new buildings. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the school’s size allowed tuition to cover operating costs and provide scholarships to some students. While the school is currently recovering from the economic impact of COVID-19, GEN’s financial support helps maintain scholarships for 50 students out of a total of 500. Your donation to GEN can make a difference in the lives of these students and help us continue our mission of providing quality education to all.

Conclusion: Education Breeds Confidence, Hope, and Peace

Education is the key to unlocking a child’s potential and creating a brighter future. Over the past 15 years, the Mikey Medium English School (MMES) has grown from a humble beginning to a thriving educational institution. With your support, we can continue to expand our reach, improve our infrastructure, empower our educators, and provide opportunities for our students to explore the world beyond their village. Grassroots Education Nepal (GEN) plays a vital role in ensuring the success and sustainability of MMES. Together, let’s invest in grassroots education projects and help create a world where education breeds confidence, hope, and ultimately, peace. Donate today to make a lasting impact.