When access to education means everything

Imagine growing up in a village where only three of your neighbours had completed secondary school. That was Krishna Bohora’s experience, and for good reason. The nearest high school to his home in the hilly, remote district of Panchthar, eastern Nepal, was a three-hour walk away. And his parents were farmers, working tirelessly to make ends meet. Walking for six hours a day wasn’t a good use of anyone’s time.

Despite the challenges standing in their way, Krishna does describe his parents holding out a “modest” ambition for their children. School might not have been a priority, but they did hope that their children would get their secondary education. When Krishna’s passion for reading and learning eventually convinced his parents to let him go to school, Krishna was delighted. Walking barefoot for six hours each day became the norm. To Krishna, it was worth every minute.

“Regardless of the condition of the school, receiving an education remains a significant accomplishment for me,” Krishna reflects. However “modest” his parents’ dream might have seemed, and however basic the building Krishna attended – one without desks, benches or even a blackboard, where students sat on a dusty floor – it was radical that Krishna was there at all.

Krishna’s story is the story of a young boy achieving an education against the odds. But it’s more than that. It’s the story of boy who grew up to become a teacher, one who is supported through your generous donations to change the world he grew up in, one classroom at a time.

“While a few teachers were inspiring, most lacked proper training and a firm foundation in their subjects,” Krishna remembers.

“I can hardly recall instances where teachers engaged us in discussions or problem-solving activities. It wasn’t until I began teaching myself that I realised the depth of what I had missed during my school years.”

In Nepal, rote learning is standard practice. BMS World Mission worker Alan Barker explains it a little like this: children doing their homework by sitting outside and chanting to themselves, trying to commit what they’re reading to memory. “This is one of the major things that BMS partner KISC EQUIP [for whom Krishna works] is trying to get teachers to move away from – as per Krishna’s story,” Alan explains. “I have experienced the struggles of deprived students,” Krishna adds. “I made it my mission to provide my students with the experiences I had missed out on.”

Krishna now works as a teacher-trainer, passing on not only knowledge, but also inspiring, challenging and empowering teachers to create a better world for their students. He’s not alone in his passion for change. The umbrella organisation that KISC EQUIP comes under is headed up by Kapil Sharma, who tells his own story of overcoming immense hardship.
“I have had the experience of eating leaves and roots to fill my stomach,” Kapil shares. “I used to watch my friends going to school…but my uncle never sent me.” It wasn’t until a local blacksmith convinced Kapil’s uncle of the importance of education that Kapil was enrolled in school. Up until then, his uncle had called him “Bhalu”, meaning ‘bear’, due to Kapil’s long hair. It was there, starting Grade 1 at the age of 11, that his horrified teacher insisted his uncle choose another one, and Kapil first received his name.

It’s experiences like this that show just how important kind teachers and good schools can be in pupils’ lives. Krishna tells of a teacher who, known for his strict and unrelenting teaching methods, was struggling to engage his students. After seeing the example of the teacher trainers, he decided to incorporate kindness and diverse teaching methods into his classroom practices. “The results were remarkable,” Krishna shares. “Now the students and their parents are happy with me,” the teacher told him. “They love me, the learning outcomes have significantly improved, and I even got promoted.”

Up until now, you may have heard of KISC EQUIP’s work training teachers primarily through the work of BMS mission worker Joy Ransom. With Joy ending her service and returning to the UK later this summer, you may wonder what’s next for this crucial ministry, and whether it still needs your support.

Krishna is unequivocal in his answer. “I am grateful for the support of BMS and its supporters who have sent mission workers to Nepal. Your unwavering dedication and commitment have allowed us to reach remote areas, bringing Christ’s love and implementing effective educational practices. Through your support, we have influenced the lives of thousands of students and empowered hundreds of teachers.

“Your continued support is vital in shaping the future of education in Nepal. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of students and educators, equipping them with the necessary tools and knowledge for a brighter future.”