Introduction

Shree Kalikadevi Secondary School is an old, community-based public educational institution located in Kalimati, Ward No. 5, Rautamai Rural Municipality, Udayapur District, Nepal. Established through the collective initiative, dedication, and educational awareness of local social workers, intellectuals, education enthusiasts, and respected community members, the school has been providing educational opportunities to children from rural and remote areas. Currently, the school offers educational programmes from Early Childhood Development (ECD) to Grade 10. The school was established not merely to create an educational institution but also as a social initiative to provide quality education to children within their own community. Despite limited resources, geographical difficulties, and various challenges, the school has gradually developed through the continuous support of the local community, the trust of parents, and the contributions of teachers. The school's name is associated with Kalikadevi Temple. Historical records indicate that the school's original location was near the temple premises and that the name Shree Kalikadevi was chosen in recognition of the area's religious and cultural identity. Today, the school aims to move beyond traditional teaching methods towards quality, technology-friendly education. Efforts are being made to develop a supportive learning environment equipped with internet facilities, a science laboratory, digital boards, a library, and subject-specific teachers.

History

The history of Shree Kalikadevi Secondary School is closely connected with the educational awakening, community participation, and continuous efforts of the local people. The school was established in January 1984 (Magh 2040 B.S.). At that time, local social workers, intellectuals, and active education enthusiasts took the initiative to establish a school in the area. Initially, the school operated at a place known as Patidanda in Pokharigaun. A simple thatched shelter was constructed using locally available resources, and teaching and learning activities began there. At that time, Radheshyam Rai was appointed as a teacher to provide education to local children. Although the school lacked formal infrastructure and adequate resources, the enthusiasm of the community and its desire for education marked the beginning of the school's journey. The naming of the school was also associated with the local cultural and religious environment. According to historical records, the school was named Shree Kalikadevi after Kalikadevi Temple, which is located near the area where the school was established.

Relocation and Development

After the school's establishment, the initial location was found to be unsuitable for teaching and learning. Therefore, with the active participation of local people, a decision was made to relocate the school. Accordingly, in 1985 (2041 B.S.), the school was moved to the old village of the former Kalimati area, where a thatched shelter was constructed on land belonging to the Katuwal family. However, in 1986 (2042 B.S. ), a tragic incident occurred when a student became ill and passed away while the school was operating at that location. Following this incident, members of the local community felt that the site was unsuitable for the school. Consequently, efforts began to identify a safer and more appropriate location. After considering alternatives, the community decided to establish the school approximately 150 metres west of its previous location, at a place known as Gadabari, near the boundary between the lands of Lil Bahadur Rai and Dev Bahadur Rai, north of Kalikadevi Temple. With the support and active participation of the local community, a school building was constructed there, and teaching and learning activities continued.

Community Contributions

The contribution of the local community has been instrumental in the development of the school. Residents supported the provision of land and the construction of the physical infrastructure necessary for its operation. According to the available documents, funds were subsequently collected through community donations, and the school land was formally registered in the school's name for NPR 25,000. This demonstrates the important role of community ownership, collective effort, and public participation in the establishment and development of the school.

Educational Development and Expansion of Classes

Initially, the school operated through private funding and resources. Over time, it gradually expanded its educational services from the primary level to the lower secondary and eventually the secondary level. By adding classes in successive stages, the school has continued to provide local students with opportunities to receive basic and secondary education within their own community. The process of class expansion and official approval is outlined below.

On 2045/11/02 B.S., the school received approval from the District Education Office, Udayapur, to operate Grade 1, marking a significant step forward in its educational development. Subsequently, on 2045/11/06 B.S., a resident, Indra Kumar Raut, was appointed as a teacher. Thereafter, the school gradually expanded its educational services by obtaining approval from the relevant authorities to operate Grades 6, 7, and 8, followed by Grades 9 and 10. In this process, students began participating in the School Leaving Certificate (SLC) examinations in 2011 (2068 B.S.) This achievement contributed significantly to establishing the school as an institution providing education up to the secondary level.

Current Status and Future Direction

Today, Shree Kalikadevi Secondary School has established itself as an important community school in Rautamai Rural Municipality. The school aims to develop into a model educational institution by providing quality, technology-friendly, child-friendly, student-centred, and practical education. It also plans to introduce educational programmes up to Grade 12 in the near future. The school aims to improve the effectiveness of teaching and learning through the development of internet facilities, a science laboratory, digital boards, a library, and the recruitment or management of subject-specific teachers, alongside the appropriate use of educational technology. The history of Shree Kalikadevi Secondary School is not merely a history of constructing buildings, adding classes, or expanding educational levels. Rather, it is a history of the educational awareness, collective efforts, sacrifices, cooperation, and shared commitment of the local community to educating future generations. Throughout its journey of more than four decades, the school has overcome numerous challenges to reach its present position. It is expected to continue improving the quality of education and making significant contributions to the educational and social development of the local community in the years ahead.