School is a place where memories are made, memories of making friends for the first time, memories of discovering the joy of learning, memories of learning together. School is a place which molds our characters, shapes our way of thinking and sets us free to find our own identities.  School is a place where we get taught the difference between right and wrong, where we are prepared for life’s problems as we are taught to solve arithmetic problems, where we are taught to learn; which is a great pleasure in itself. School is a place where we get to know about the world, where we learn to communicate our ideas to others, where we achieve priceless experiences, where we grow up, where we learn to face our fears. Text & Pictures by Anupama Dhamala.

(Left) Shree Ganesh Madhyamik Vidyalaya is a government secondary school established in 2008 B.S.

Shy smiley greetings: A few students peek from the door of their classroom. They study in Grade 3.

Students studying in Grade 8 busy in their studies. There are a total of 531 students in the school.

Just a peek outside: A boy peeks through the iron railings during class hours.

Ranjana Pradhananga, the principal of “Ganesh Ma.Vi.” busy in her work. She has been working as a principal of the school since 2033 B.S.

Writing the future: A student writes notes on his copy during Environment, Population and Health classes.

Recess: Kids play and have their tiffins during recess. Recess lasts for half an hour, from 1:00 pm to 1:30pm.

Inside cobwebby railings: Classrooms in government schools are not as much facilitated as in private schools. Windows devoid of glass panes, railings covered with cobwebs, and tin roofs with holes are common sights here.

Rima Niroula, a Nepali subject teacher answering Class 9 students’ queries about prepositions. There are 24 teachers in the school.

Sharing tiffins to treasures: Boys share tiffin (lunch) amongst themselves during recess.

A computer teacher teaches programming codes to class 10 students. There are 5 students, 3 boys and 2 girls, studying Computer Science in Class 10 this year.

School’s over for the day: Students heading home after the school ends at 4 pm.
theasiamag.com photography workshop is a joint project by the Little Sisters Fund, Takshashila Academy, and The Patatas.