With Guru Purnima being marked on July 9 (Ashad 25), The Himalayan Times salutes all teachers who have made a difference in a student’s life. Looking at how our teachers and their actions and thoughts have shaped our lives, on this Teacher’s Day, Sabitri Dhakal talks to some special teachers who have taken on the task of not only teaching their students the ABC’s, but have taken it upon themselves to be their special guides as life instructors

Understanding the children

The teachers at the Self Help Group for Cerebral Palsy/Nepal, Dhapakhel were teaching music and helping children understand the falling rain with the lyrics Tappa Tappa Pani Jharyo on July 5 afternoon. The students were singing and watching the rain fall with the teachers. The children in the centre have cerebral palsy.

“Cerebral palsy is the name given to a group of conditions that affects the child’s movement. It happens when there is a problem in the brain. The problem can occur before, during or after the birth of the child,” says Shova Pradhan, Programme In-charge of Special Education Programme at the centre.

There are challenges everywhere and one must be ready to accept and face them. Similar is the case with these teachers. “As we are the ones who help children shape their future, we need to be careful. If we teach something wrong it will leave a negative impression in the children. Preparedness and psychological understanding of the children is very important,” says Dawadi.

The unavailability of sufficient reading materials is a challenge for Kansakar. “Evaluating the children is challenging. If there is a wrong evaluation, it will have a wrong impact on the child. Therefore, teamwork is necessary in the field,” Dawadi shares.