Laughter and excitement filled the air as teachers from three model schools in Lumbini—Siddhartha Primary School, Shree Gautam Buddha Basic School, and Ram Janaki Basic School—eagerly participated in a series of engaging teaching exercises. A simple ball toss transformed into an interactive math drill: teachers threw the ball to each other, answering equations as they caught it. Another game involved clapping every time they reached a multiple of three while counting in a circle.
Their joy mirrored that of their students, as they immersed themselves in innovative teaching techniques designed to make learning fun. The goal was clear—education should not feel like a burden, but an adventure.
Collaborative Learning: Strengthening Teamwork
In the spirit of collaboration, teachers teamed up to memorize lesson plans posted on the walls. Racing against time, they took turns studying the material before relaying the information to their teammates. It was a playful yet effective way to encourage teamwork and quick thinking—qualities that would soon enrich their classrooms.
Recognizing Effort: Fostering a Culture of Appreciation
Among the participants was Smriti Bhusal, who took great care in recognizing her peers' efforts by awarding stars to different group members. In a beautiful twist, she herself received the highest number of stars, a reflection of the kindness she showed others. “This is the cycle of appreciation,” remarked educator Soo-Lee Teh (鄭素麗), a retired principal from Malaysia, emphasizing the importance of mutual encouragement.
Another teacher, Sujata Lama, traveled from Kathmandu to take part in the training. She was particularly moved by an activity involving carrying a water-filled balloon as a baby, symbolizing the nurturing love of parents. Inspired by the lesson, she vowed to bring this concept to her own students, helping them develop a greater sense of empathy and gratitude.
Preparing for the Future: Building Strong Classrooms
With the Lumbini Tzu Chi School set to open in 2026, training efforts were aimed at equipping teachers with student-centered approaches. Principal Altaf Husen Khan of Siddhartha Primary School welcomed the initiative, allowing teachers to bring what they learned into actual classrooms and apply these creative strategies directly with their students.
The training extended beyond just academics—it was about nurturing well-rounded individuals. As a video played, showing students expressing their gratitude for their hardworking parents, one teacher, Sabita Chaudhary, was deeply moved. Wiping away tears, she shared her own resolution: "My parents have cared for me all my life. I will repay their kindness, and I will teach my students to do the same."
This wasn't just a training program—it was a transformation in mindset. Education was no longer limited to the rigid confines of textbooks but expanded into a dynamic, compassionate exchange of knowledge and care. Through laughter, teamwork, and inspiration, teachers gained more than just techniques—they gained a renewed sense of purpose, knowing they can bring lasting change to their students' lives.
By Ru-Lu Bai
