Schools in Taplejung Teaching Environmental Conservation

In Taplejung, seven schools have been teaching environmental conservation as part of the local curriculum. Through the Himalayan Conservation Forum, this program is being conducted in Grades 6 and 7.

According to Program Coordinator Ramesh Rai, textbooks on environmental conservation are currently being taught in these schools. At present, 149 students from Grade 6 and 266 students from Grade 7—making a total of 415 students—are learning conservation education.

Schools Implementing Conservation Curriculum

Environmental conservation classes are being taught in the following schools:

• Mayam Secondary School, Phurumbu, Ward No. 10, Phungling Municipality

• Siddhakumari Basic School, Tirinkhe, Ward No. 3, Pathibhara Yangwarak Rural Municipality

• Laxmi Secondary School, Mamangkhe, Ward No. 6, Sirijangha Rural Municipality

• Kanchanjunga Secondary School, Yamphudin, Ward No. 8, Sirijangha Rural Municipality

• Singswa Secondary School, Lingkhim, Ward No. 3, Phaktanglung Rural Municipality

• Mahendra Basic School, Lingkhim, Phaktanglung Rural Municipality

• Saraswati Chyaribuk Secondary School, Lelep, Ward No. 6, Phaktanglung Rural Municipality

Curriculum Content

The conservation education curriculum includes:

• Basic knowledge about the endangered Red Panda (Habre)

• The importance of red panda conservation

• The role of local communities in environmental protection

• The necessity of environmental conservation

According to Forum Chairperson Chandramani Kedem, the course is introduced at the basic level to spread conservation awareness from children to parents, and from parents to the wider community.

The Himalayan Conservation Forum has been working with the Red Panda Network for a long time to protect red pandas. To further strengthen environmental education, eco clubs have been formed in 11 schools across Taplejung.

Through these eco clubs, children’s bulletins related to red pandas are also being published. The Forum states that these bulletins are regarded as useful learning materials for students.