Rebuild a Secondary School for 250 Kids in Nepal

EDUCATION THROUGH A GENDER LENS

Aura Freedom has begun an assessment of the school staff through a gender lens, so as to ensure that female students are able to learn in a safe and welcoming environment. We want to stress the importance of girls being able to attend a school that is non-oppressive and does not affirm harmful gender norms, but actually helps dismantle them. Nepal is a highly patriarchal society and girls are vulnerable to discrimination and marginalization at school. 

We had a lot of questions!

For example, what kinds of tasks are girls being asked to do in class? Are girls encouraged to participate in class discussions and answer questions? Are they encouraged to pursue interests in subjects that are typically viewed as "masculine" such as mathematics and IT?

Are parents being counselled if there is a risk of child marriage? Are girls being encouraged to stay in school? How does menstruation and the stigma reproductive health affect female students and their learning experience?

Moreover, how can the school staff increase their capacity to help contribute to a better learning experience for all the students? Staff who are underpaid and undertrained increase the risk of sexual abuse, improper teacher/student relationships and lower the quality of education. What kind of training can we provide to increase staff capacity? Is there proper representation of female faculty/staff?

Here's a brief look at a section of our assessment:

What policies will exist within the school regarding discipline to prevent harm to the children?

Nepal’s Child Protection Policy and the National Framework of Child-Friendly Schools will be followed to prevent harm to the students, and Aura Freedom will ensure that these policies are enforced at the school.

In addition to these policies, Aura Freedom will introduce a Code of Conduct regarding a strict ZERO TOLERANCE for gender-based violence and discrimination of any kind in the school. This document, delivered after the appropriate training, will be signed by all staff and enforced by school management.

How will staff and teachers be vetted for potential risk to the children?

The School Management Team will be responsible for vetting faculty for potential risk to the children. The management team themselves will also be vetted externally to ensure no corruption. Aura Freedom will offer assistance in the vetting process and ensure that the Code of Conduct training is carried out with every new staff member. 

How will teachers be vetted in relation to qualifications?

The original school was established in 1990 and has recruited teachers under the rules of the government of Nepal. Aura Freedom will work with local organizations to facilitate additional training and assistance to ensure teachers are capable and passionate about equality. After speaking to the local community, it was clear that the staff and parents are all very open to any additional training facilitated by Aura Freedom through local partners. Everyone is ready for a change.

Aura Freedom will ensure that gender equality is a priority at Shree Bhumimata school. We believe it is as important as the walls and desks themselves. Education must not just be available, it must be ACCESSIBLE. 

We believe in the untapped potential of countless girls around the world who are stifled in the education system. We strive to see the day when all girls can attend school without fear of abuse, exploitation or discrimination.