At Panchakanya Secondary School in Syangja, students involved in the ‘Learning by Earning’ program are cultivating seasonal vegetables on a five-ropani piece of land. Student Aakriti Rokaha remarked, “Applying what we learn from textbooks directly to farming helps us understand concepts much more easily.” The income from vegetable sales is distributed with 75% going to the students, 20% to the school, and 5% to technical assistants. Reported on 11 Jestha, Syangja.
The ‘Learning by Earning’ initiative at Panchakanya Secondary School has started to effectively link students’ academic and practical experiences. This learning approach is considered exemplary throughout the district. Supported by the Social Development Ministry of Gandaki Province government, the program enables students to cultivate seasonal vegetables on the school’s five ropani of land. The school’s management notes that engaging in hands-on gardening alongside academic activities has enhanced students’ skill development and boosted their confidence.
Currently, 65 students from grades 9 to 12 participate in the program. They are involved in all stages from planting potatoes, tomatoes, cauliflower, corn, leafy greens, and honey production to sales and distribution. According to Swas Aryal, the school’s crop science coordinator, the ‘One Student, One Kitchen Garden’ campaign has encouraged students to cultivate their own land at home. He added that the program has brought behavioral changes not only within the school but also across the local community.
In Syangja district, crop science education is currently offered at Purnamrit Secondary School in Waling Municipality, Mahima Secondary School in Harinas Rural Municipality, and Panchakanya Secondary School in Arjun Chaupari Rural Municipality. Panchakanya Secondary School is particularly renowned for its innovative practices and excellent outcomes. The school was honored as one of the country’s best schools in 2080 BS.
