52 Children from holding center to attend Janavikas Secondary School: 30 Interested in hostel stay

Kathmandu– A total of 52 school-age children staying at the Radhaswami Satsang Vyas Ashram holding center will begin attending classes from today at Janavikas Secondary School, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City has confirmed.

The Education Department made the decision after consultations with students and parents on Monday, identifying their educational needs and preferences. The school is located within walking distance from the holding center.

The children had been relocated from different informal settlements along riverbanks, including Thapathali, Gairigaun, and Sinamangal, during clearance operations. A total of 203 people from 66 families are currently staying at the holding center, including 62 men, 80 women (including three postpartum mothers and two pregnant women), 31 girls, and 30 boys.Among the children, 52 are of school-going age, while four students had appeared for the SEE examinations this year. Many children have also expressed interest in vocational training such as computer skills, tailoring, and weaving. The metropolitan city has stated that arrangements will be made for such skill-based training programs.

According to education officials, 30 children have expressed interest in staying in hostels for continued schooling. However, some parents have shown mixed responses, with 11 boys and 5 girls expressing reluctance to stay in hostels. Officials say final decisions are still being confirmed for some families.Senior officials from the Education Department stated that necessary arrangements for uniforms, educational materials, and other support services are also being prepared. Discussions have been held with private and institutional school associations including PABSON, N-PABSON, and HISSAN to provide free education with hostel facilities for the affected children.

Kathmandu Metropolitan City Acting Mayor Sunita Dangol had earlier urged private school associations to ensure free, residential education for children from genuine squatter backgrounds. Following the request, associations including PABSON, N-PABSON, HISSAN, and APEN issued a joint statement expressing their commitment to support and facilitate continued education for the children.Officials said efforts are underway to ensure smooth coordination so that eligible and willing children can be enrolled in residential schooling programs soon.