Purushodaya Secondary School, located in Hugdishir of Bareng Rural Municipality–2 in Baglung, is well known for its technical education. The school offers agricultural studies and produces a variety of items, including different types of vegetables, fish, poultry, pigs, and lemons.
Under the “Learn and Earn” program, students involved in agriculture produce and sell their products. This initiative supports both learning and entrepreneurship among students.
Sabin Chhetri, a student at the school, shared his thoughts:
“We are happy to learn agriculture while studying here,” he said. “We have also developed skills, which we believe will help us build a better future.”
Establishment of a Seed Bank
A seed bank has been introduced at the school to preserve the seeds of crops that are nearing extinction. The objective is to maintain the genetic diversity of such crops.
Assistant agriculture instructor Suman Oli remarked, “We are preserving seeds of endangered crops here.”
Market Access and Community Integration
According to the teachers, there is no shortage of markets for the agricultural products grown at the school. The institution also aims to connect technical agricultural education with the wider community.
Senior agriculture instructor Bimal Khadka said the school has taken steps to distribute tunnel houses to households in the community. This approach has increased interest in agriculture among both students and parents.
Practical Knowledge and Municipal Support
Student Dol Bahadur Thapa stated that he has learned about pig farming, diseases that can affect pigs, and their market value. He also acknowledged the valuable support provided by Bareng Rural Municipality to enhance the quality of student learning.
He added, “The school has arranged hostel facilities for students who come from far away or are economically disadvantaged. This has greatly supported our education.”
Poultry Farming Through Local Grants
Layer chickens have been raised at the school with financial support from the local government. Through this initiative, students have gained poultry farming knowledge and skills. Teachers believe that such hands-on experience will help students graduate as capable entrepreneurs.
Priority on Practical Over Theoretical Learning
Teacher Dhachananda Barma highlighted the emphasis on experiential education:
“To ensure effective learning, we’ve given more importance to practical instruction,” he said.
“As a result, students are showing increased interest in attending school.”
Agricultural Land Use and Student Income
Principal Man Bahadur Shreesh explained that the school conducts agricultural activities on nine ropanis of land—five ropanis on lease and four ropanis owned by the school.
He stated, “We save a portion of our income as seed money. The rest supports students’ learning and allows them to earn as well. This has increased student satisfaction.”
Impact on Rural Education and Self-Reliance
The work done by Purushodaya Secondary School has inspired Bareng Rural Municipality. The school's efforts are expected to enhance the quality of education and foster self-reliance among students.
Currently, the school has 217 students, of which 88 are studying technical subjects. Last year, the school generated NPR 600,000 through the sale of agricultural products.
Baglung