Skill-Oriented Training Empowers Students in Beni Municipality
After receiving house wiring training, Jon Pun, a Grade 8 student at Saraswati Secondary School in Singa Tatopani, Beni Municipality–4, says his confidence has grown.
"Learning practical skills needed daily in homes and communities has relieved my fear of future unemployment," he shared. "With basic skills, I can solve problems at home or in the neighborhood, and even become self-employed in the future."
House Wiring Training at Saraswati Secondary School
Through Beni Municipality’s “We Can, We Do” initiative, 19 students from Grades 8, 9, and 10 at Saraswati Secondary School received 20 days of training in house and building wiring.
Plumbing Skills at Bal Mandir Secondary School
Aswim Kisan, a Grade 9 student at Bal Mandir Secondary School, Kalipul, Beni–8, attends plumbing classes for two hours after school before heading home at 6 PM.
Like Aswim, 16 students from Grades 8, 9, and 11 are participating in a 21-day plumbing course based on their interests. They are learning how to install pipelines, connect faucets in kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms, and embed pipelines underground—gaining enthusiasm from the hands-on experience.
Haircutting Training at Beni Community School
Suyog Regmi, a Grade 11 student attending a haircutting course at Beni Community School, said that cutting hair for family members has helped reduce costs and built confidence.
“Even if I don't find a job later, I believe I can make a living through this skill. Even if I don’t run a business, cutting hair for family saves time and money,” he added.
Diverse Skills Under One Program
Twenty-five students from Grades 8, 9, and 11 participated in the recently concluded training. Like Jon, Aswim, and Suyog, many students from secondary schools in Beni Municipality are engaged in skill-based training. This is made possible by the “We Can, We Do” program, which integrates skills training with academics.
Schools Involved and Municipal Funding
Out of 16 secondary schools in Beni, 14 are running skill-oriented training. In the fiscal year 2081/82, the municipality allocated NPR 1,00,000 to each school, totaling NPR 1.6 million for the program.
With this grant, schools purchased training materials, paid trainers, and provided refreshments to participants. Training sessions are scheduled in shifts to match students’ convenience, according to Education Officer Kamal Dhakal. A total of 330 students have taken part so far.
Link Between Education, Skills, and Labor
The program aims to teach practical skills at the school level. Mayor Surat KC stated that the goal is to integrate education with hands-on skills and labor. Due to the success in 10 schools in 2079/80, the program has been expanded to all 16 schools since 2080/81.
Mayor KC emphasized that students should complete school equipped with practical skills that help them contribute meaningfully to society.
Skills Covered by the Program
Schools have organized training in:
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House wiring
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Plumbing
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Hair cutting
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Wall painting
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Mechanized plough repair
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Survey camps
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Bamboo decor craft
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Beauty care
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Mushroom and chili farming
Mushroom Cultivation and Survey Training
At Deepak Secondary School in Patlekhet, Beni–10, 23 students from Grades 9 and 10 cultivated Kenyan mushroom variety in groups.
At Galeshwor Secondary School, Toripani, Beni–9, Civil Engineering students were trained in practical surveys of buildings, roads, and bridges through a survey camp.
Local Engagement in Practical Training
At Rashtriya Secondary School, Nephtechour, 15 students learned haircutting skills, according to teacher Ramchandra Paudel.
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Jamunakhark: 15 students trained in beauty care
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Janakalyan School, Pulachaur: 26 students learned to make decorative bamboo crafts
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Poulatsya School, Bhirmuni: 21 students received training in minitiller (mechanized plough) repair
Prakash Secondary School (Beni), Ramchandra School (Arjam), and Dhaulagiri School have conducted house wiring courses, with 30, 33, and 23 participants respectively.
Arjun School in Bhakunde ran a 15-day wall painting course with 31 participants.
Chilli Farming and Future Challenges
At Jayanti School in Bhakimli, 25 students cultivated Akabare chili variety.
Despite students applying their skills, the growing attraction to foreign employment remains a challenge. Surendra KC, Principal of Bal Mandir School, noted that if seed capital were provided by schools or the municipality, students with basic skills could be encouraged to join “Learn and Earn” programs for even greater impact.
Myagdi