Saathi Teachers Programme

From Impact to Innovation: Launching the Grade Teaching Modality

After seven years of advancing foundational literacy and numeracy across our partner schools since the launch of the Saathi Teachers Programme, we identified a growing need to strengthen early-grade learning, particularly in classrooms with larger numbers of pupils. In response, we are piloting a new approach this year: the Grade Teaching Modality.

This model is currently being implemented in two of our partner schools:
1. Shree Satkanyamati Secondary School, Gunsa, Sindhupalchok
2. Shree Bhotenamlang Secondary School, Bhotenamlang, Sindhupalchok
Under this approach, Saathi Teachers work in close collaboration with local teachers and school management while taking greater ownership of specific year groups. We believe this will enable stronger relationships with pupils and more focused, comprehensive academic support.

Building on our activity-based and practical teaching methods, the new modality introduces:
i. Individual classroom observation support not just for Saathi teachers but for teachers across the primary level
ii. Individual pupil portfolios to track progress over time
iii. Integration of the Continuous Assessment System (CAS) aligned with municipal evaluations
iv. Improve the learning achievement
Together, these enhancements aim to strengthen early-grade outcomes and offer a more holistic and measurable approach to pupil development.

Equally central to this effort is the growing ownership demonstrated by the community. From school leadership to parents and local stakeholders, their active engagement and commitment have been instrumental in making this modality possible. This shared responsibility, fostered in partnership with the Saathi Teachers Programme, ensures that the approach is not only implemented but sustained and strengthened over time.

At the heart of this effort are our Saathi Teachers, whose dedication, adaptability, and deep commitment to their pupils continue to bring this model to life in the classroom.

We remain grateful for the continued support of our valued Saathi community and partners whose commitment makes innovations like this possible.

Introducing Our 7th Cohort of Saathi Teachers: The Nischal Deluwa

As the name suggests, they embody purity (Nischal) in their intentions to serve and unity through differences (Deluwa, a vibrantly colored holy pot originating from the Tharu language). We are delighted to introduce to you our 7th Cohort Saathi Teachers, who are officiating their two years of transformative teaching and personal journey.
With less than 10% selection rate at the Saathi Teachers Programme, these young educators are embarking on a two-year journey committed to compassionate and practical teaching as Saathi of their students.

After completing an intensive 24-day training programme, our Saathi Teachers are equipped with skills in literacy, numeracy, and the 21st-century 4C Skills: Communication, Collaboration, Creativity, and Critical Thinking. They have engaged in classroom practice both within and outside Kathmandu Valley, transforming theory into impactful teaching.

Here, they are ready to begin strengthening the primary education across our partner schools in Panchpokhari, Abukhaireni, and Bandipur. Children at the lower primary to primary levels are promised a strong foundational education, helping them grow into empowered citizens capable of contributing to an equitable global society.

We are very excited and pleased to see the unfoldings of their journeys ahead. Please join us in following their journey as they make a difference!

We’re hiring!
Join our team as an Assistant Finance & Admin Officer and be part of meaningful work that creates impact.

📍 Beisgaon, Gokarneshwor
🕒 3 Years | 5 Days per Week
📅 Starting: Second Week of Jesth 2083

If you have a background in Accounting/Finance/Management, basic computer skills, and a passion to learn and grow — we’d love to hear from you!

Female candidates from ethnic minorities & marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Send your CV and Cover Letter to: [email protected]

On this auspicious occasion of Buddha Jayanti, the HELP team would like to extend our heartfelt and warm wishes to our inspiring community - our Saathi Teachers, collaborating partners and municipalities, our valued donors, aspiring students, and the entire HELP family. 🪷

May the timeless wisdom of Lord Buddha guide our paths, and may his light of enlightenment continue to bring peace, clarity, and brightness into our lives.😊

Wishing you all a very Happy Buddha Jayanti!🪷

Happy Nepali New Year 2083

Thank you for your continued support and partnership in 2082.

Wishing you a year of growth, learning, and success ahead.

धन्यवाद EducationSamachar!
Mahesh Timalsina

जहाँ शिक्षकको अभाव छ, त्यहीँ आशा बनेर पुग्छन् ‘साथी शिक्षक’ ! काठमाडौं । सामुदायिक विद्यालयमा गुणस्तरीय शिक्षा सुधारका अनेक प्रयास भइरहेका बेला एउटा फरक र प्रभावकारी अभियान...

Today was yet another reminder of what commitment to education truly looks like.

We gathered to celebrate 12 remarkable young individuals from the 5th cohort of the Saathi Teachers Programme, who have just completed their two-year teaching journey in rural primary schools. Their dedication, resilience, and belief in the potential of young children have left a deep mark in the classrooms and communities they served.

At the same time, we were delighted to welcome new Saathi teachers from the 7th cohort, a new generation of educators ready to carry this work forward. Their journey begins now; with the same spirit and purpose: to strengthen primary education and improve learning for children in rural schools through partnership with local governments and schools.

What made the celebration even more special was the presence of many of our alumni, most of whom have chosen to continue in the teaching profession full-time. They shared stories from classrooms, reflected on their impact, and inspired the incoming cohort. Together, they represent a growing community of educators; a continuous chain of commitment working to improve the environments in which children learn and thrive.

We are deeply honored that our long-time supporter and advisor Gagan Thapa joined us as the Chief Guest. Despite his many national responsibilities, he made time to be with us, simply to listen to the stories of young Saathi teachers determined to make a difference in the lives of children.

Our gratitude also goes to our advisor Dr. Meenakshi Dahal, who has consistently supported Saathi teachers through the various training process and spoke today on “Building Career in Education”.

We are grateful to our local government partners, national and international supporters, and friends of the Saathi Teachers Programme whose support and solidarity continues to make this work possible. Thank you to everyone who took the time today to join us and celebrate the Saathi community stories and impact. It truly means a lot.

And, thanks to our hard-working team despite small it is whose never stopping dedication sustains this journey every day and helps to bring and event like this possible and livelier.

We look forward with excitement and hope as the new cohort of Saathi teachers begins their chapter in the coming academic year.

The journey continues!

With Saathi School coming to a close, the 7th cohort stayed back this morning for a meaningful exchange. They sat with the 5th cohort of Saathi Teachers, listening to reflections from their two-year journey of impact in their communities, marking the close of one chapter and the start of another.

Tomorrow, both cohorts will meet again at the Graduation ceremony. It will be a moment of transition, where the 5th cohort formally passes on the responsibility to the 7th cohort, while we also welcome the new cohort into the journey.

We are looking forward to this special milestone. A moment to celebrate the achievements of the 5th cohort and to warmly welcome our newest Saathis.

# FinalReflectionandtheBeginningofaNewJourney