Kathmandu, November 3:

Free coaching classes provided by the Guthi, a non-government organisation at Naradevi in Kathmandu, has helped children from poor households who are poor in studies to pass the SLC, popularly known as the Iron Gate for higher studies, with good marks and realise their dreams of pursuing higher studies.

Among the 25 poor students who were provided with free coaching, 20 took the SLC exam last year. All of them passed the exam: one with distinction, 14 with first division and five with second division.

The kids studying in government schools were selected for coaching based on their poor family background and poor performance in the class in 2005. All of them belong to the families of vegetable sellers, street vendors and those working in small eateries. The coaching classes were given in subjects like maths, science and English.

Sarita Pandey, who passed the SLC with 81 per cent marks from the Kanya Mandir at Chhetrapati, said she was not confident enough to appear in the exam before taking the coaching. “It boosted my confidence and I scored good marks in the exam.” She is studying science in Grade XI in Annapurna Higher Secondary School at Ason.

Anil Sthapit, the director of the organisation, said the students were confused about life, lacked self-confidence and hoped for better academic career when they were first admitted to the free classes. “They did not believe that they could pass SLC.”

Man Bahadur Gurung, another student who passed the SLC, courtesy free coaching of Guthi, said he was helped very much by the free classes as he was unable to afford private tuition. “The classes encouraged me to fight in the life, not to give up, since opportunities can make impossible possible.”

Sthapit said the organisation has decided to continue the scheme after the success of the first batch students. “We are also going to start classes in in Patan too from this year.” New classes will begin soon after Tihar.