A provincial-level meeting of the Child Rights Network organized by INSEC Lumbini Province Office was held on May 7, 2025 in Nepalgunj.
Chairperson of the Janaki Rural Municipality Human Rights Group, Jahir Shesh, stated that there exists a gap between parents and teachers in schools, which prevents the resolution of small issues. Therefore, he emphasized the need to organize school-level programs with the participation of local representatives, parents, students, teachers, and INSEC.
Principal of Shree Nepal National Secondary School, Parashnath Verma, located in Khajura Rural Municipality–7, said that during the enrollment period, parents do not come for admission, and after the EMS data has already been sent, new students arrive seeking admission. This creates problems in providing textbooks to new students. He also mentioned that the school lacks proper facilities for sanitary pad changing areas and toilets.
Teacher of Shree Nepal National Secondary School and Patron of the Child Rights Awareness Group, Sheela Shrestha, said that the Madhesi community has been educationally backward, but since INSEC started implementing its project, there has been an increase in awareness and sense of responsibility among students and parents, resulting in improvements in education. She added that the number of students transferring from private schools to public schools has been increasing.
Student of Janaki Secondary School, Ward No. 4 of Janaki Rural Municipality, Umesh Kumar Dhobi, said that activities such as painting, attendance competitions, awareness on child marriage and dowry reduction, and quiz contests have helped in developing intellectual capacity. He also mentioned that the Child Rights Group has taken initiatives to address school issues, as a result, a sanitary pad vending machine was installed, toilet use became regular, and overall sanitation improved.
The Human Rights Group formed within the school, consisting of teachers, parents, parent associations, local representatives, and students, decided to continue holding regular monthly meetings, conduct extracurricular activities as per the school’s annual plan, and prepare action plans such as delegations and meetings with concerned authorities to solve problems in schools, according to INSEC facilitator Laxmi Tharu.
INSEC Lumbini Province Program Officer, Saraswati Malla, highlighted the objectives of the program, analyzed the current situation, and emphasized the need to prepare collective and effective plans for the future based on learnings, ensuring coordination and cooperation among all stakeholders.
Lumbini Province Office