From forest to classroom, Parbat students learn by doing

At Karbakeli Basic School in Nepal, learning extends beyond the classroom with students actively participating in harvesting forest produce and growing vegetables. This hands-on program, integrated into the local curriculum, teaches students valuable agricultural and business skills. Fridays and weekends are dedicated to collecting seasonal forest products like fiddlehead ferns, bamboo shoots, and Nepali hog plums.

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On Saturday morning, we dispatched another 120 kilogrammes of niuro to major market centres including Kushma and Patichaur.

The school has successfully sold 65 kilograms of fiddlehead ferns in the district headquarters, with students involved in the entire process from harvesting to sorting. While direct sales in distant markets are challenging for students, they participate in sales during local fairs and festivals. The school also offers products made by students, such as pickles and fermented leafy greens, which have gained popularity.

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We involve students in sales during local fairs and festivals. But Kushma Bazaar is far, so it is not practical to take all the students there. Teachers handle the sales in urban markets.

Beyond crops, the school introduced a livestock distribution scheme for disadvantaged students interested in farming. The income generated from these activities directly supports student welfare and extracurricular activities, including uniforms and competition prizes. This initiative not only provides practical skills but also fosters a sense of entrepreneurship and community support among the students.

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I live alone, so one bundle would have been enough. But I bought another to encourage the students’ hard work and the teachers’ commitment.