Three Schools in Gulmi Receive International Quality Certification
Three community schools in Gulmi, known for their educational excellence, have been awarded the International Quality Certification (ISO).
These schools, located in the district headquarters of Tamghas, earned the recognition for meeting foundational quality benchmarks in education.
Criteria for Receiving the ISO Certification
According to the Global Quality Council, a school that fulfills about 50% of its listed benchmarks is eligible for the international quality mark. In Gulmi, the first school to receive this recognition was Siddhababa Secondary School, located in Khanigaun, Tamghas. The school earned the certification last Chaitra after fulfilling 20 out of 50 benchmarks set by the council. The certificate was awarded through Dr. Chandra Bhandari, Member of Parliament from Gulmi Constituency No. 1.
Second and Third Schools to Receive Certification
The second school to be certified was Resunga Secondary School in Tamghas. It was awarded the ISO mark last Jestha by the Global Quality Council Kathmandu, through the Resunga Municipality Mayor Khiladhwaj Panthi. This school had fulfilled nearly 50% of the 51 benchmarks set.
The third institution to achieve this recognition was Mahendra Secondary School, also based in Tamghas. The school completed about 50% of the 52 improvement indicators outlined. The certification was presented by Global Quality Council Nepal representative Sudip Sharma, in the presence of Resunga Municipality Deputy Mayor Amritadevi Kunwar.
Future Steps for Certified Schools
With the international certification secured, Siddhababa Secondary School Principal Dorbikram Shrees highlighted the importance of further efforts in physical infrastructure, teaching-learning activities, and academic outcomes. He noted that additional critical indicators still need to be fulfilled for full certification, and the school remains committed to comprehensive institutional improvement.
About the Council and Its Implementation Scope
The Council works not only in education but also in health and local governance. The ISO mark is just the beginning; schools that fulfill 80% of the benchmarks will receive the final certificate of international quality standards.
Timeline and Focus Areas for Completing Remaining Indicators
Schools may take between three months to one year to fulfill the remaining indicators. During this time, schools are expected to:
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Improve physical infrastructure
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Establish properly maintained staff rooms
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Provide teacher training and enhance teacher competencies
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Empower school management committees
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Focus on human resource development
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Reduce administrative burden on principals
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Work toward overall institutional development
Specific Indicators for ISO Logo Certification
To obtain the logo, schools must meet indicators such as:
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Cleanliness and hygiene of school premises
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Fire safety measures
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Availability of basic health materials
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Gate security management
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Classroom management
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Display of institutional logo
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Defined quality policy and objectives
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Human resource management policies
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Public display of emergency contact numbers
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Development of quality lesson plans and teaching materials
Additional Monitored Indicators
According to Mahendra Secondary School Information Officer Shalikram Panthi, the Council will also monitor:
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Access to clean drinking water
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Proper office management
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Student population of at least 500
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Recordkeeping of school attendees
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Documented school quality policies
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Departmental policy implementation
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School uniform policy compliance
