Laying a foundation for life
Mission kids receive a well-rounded education in the mountains of Nepal
Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas in Nepal, the INF Surkhet Primary Study Centre (PSC) is a small mission school, which provides a secure, loving and fun environment for young children to develop, learn – and grow in their faith.
Sarah Pryor is a BMS World Mission worker and the school’s only full-time teacher. She writes here about the privilege of nurturing these children.
For the past five years, I have been teaching the children of other mission workers and expatriates in the rural town of Surkhet in Nepal’s midwest region.
The PSC is the only Western-style school in the Surkhet area, which holds one of the centres for health and development work of BMS partner, the International Nepal Fellowship. At times it is mission in itself.
What parents think about PSC:
“What a privilege to be able to send our kids to a Christian school in the mountains of Nepal.
“What a privilege to be able to send our kids to a Christian school in the mountains of Nepal.
“They learn so much more than just reading and writing. Really, a foundation for life is laid.
“Our kids loved going there and were very sad when holidays came around.” (David and Tom’s parents)
My role can be initially seen as a support role for the families, providing security and education for the children – but I believe it is so much more than that.
Each day starts with a Christian assembly, including singing and opportunities to pray. Prayers such as: “Please can we pray for my Daddy as he is flying to Jumla today.”
“We need to pray for my Mummy as she has a cold.”
“Let’s say thank you because I am better now and can be back at school.”
The PSC is very small, so there is often a feel that we are a big family, there to support each other. The children’s prayers and care for each other reflect this. Being there to encourage the children in their young Christian faiths has been a privilege.
Local learning
Following assembly, the children do a short session of sport before it gets too hot, and then they settle down to work on their English and maths at their level.
Afternoons tend to be more topic-based and make the most of the variety of experiences the children from different countries have.
We also aim to make the most of learning opportunities around us... watching a local Hindu ceremony, visiting the dry river bed to study rock formations, as well as studying the not-so mini ‘minibeasts’!
When English isn’t a child’s first language, their ‘home’ language has been taught by parents or by willing volunteers… wonderfully appreciated!
Although the children generally pick up English very quickly, it is important for them not to fall behind in their ‘home’ language.
Saying goodbye
There will be nine children in the school during this coming academic year, ranging from age three to age ten.
The present three children are all looking forward to more friends and opportunities for small team games and group work!
Hopefully there will be lots of joy and fun amidst the learning.
What the children say about PSC:
“I loved doing crafts and cooking. I also enjoyed it that there were fewer children – I knew them all very well!” (David)
“I loved doing crafts and cooking. I also enjoyed it that there were fewer children – I knew them all very well!” (David)
“Do I have to come home at lunch-time? Can’t I stay in school like David?” (Tom)
“I liked the climbing frame. The breaks were fun and I miss the devotion times and prayer together.” (Laura)
“I liked Miss Sarah – she was always so nice to us. I liked the Christmas plays and that everybody in PSC is so friendly.” (Amy)
One of the constant challenges is saying goodbye to friends who move on, sometimes to other places in Nepal and sometimes other countries.
Last year was particularly difficult when we said goodbye to five of the six children; lots of tears then.
But working with all of them on the issue of transition and making special books and occasions towards the end has helped everyone to adjust well.
I am so encouraged when I hear stories of how well the children are settling in their new places and how they are doing well academically