Irina Sthapit has been one of the pioneers in the propagation of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in Nepal through her association with the Karkhana Education Company, which deals with students aged between 8 and 14. The organization, for which Irina serves as the coordinator, makes students explore the world through their own experiences and not through the eyes of renowned authors and experts. It firmly believes in the learning-by-doing approach.

STEM education is an integrated system of Education where the concepts of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and art and design are taught in an integrated fashion through practical learning experiences. edInbox interviewed Irina to know more about the development of STEM education in Nepal. Here are the excerpts:

edInbox: The unique thing about STEM education is that it integrates different concepts whereas these concepts are taught as completely different subjects in pursuance with the traditional methodology. How significant do you think is this integration in contemporary education?

Irina: We have always been taught these subjects differently. However, when it comes to practicalities, the knowledge from all these subjects are used together. For instance, when you are applying physics in real life, you are also going to make use of mathematics. Thus, the integration of these concepts and showing students how this integration can be useful in real life are of paramount importance.

edInbox: Does STEM education require the installation of significant infrastructure?

Irina: We don’t really require any significant infrastructure or complicated tools in order to impart STEM education to students. We can conduct practical sessions for students even with basic equipment, which are readily available at one’s home. The only infrastructure we need, as such, is a curious mind.

edInbox: Are Nepalese parents aware and supportive of concepts like STEM education?

Irina: The parents are slowly becoming aware of the concept of STEM education. Parents, who are unaware about this concept or who know little about this concept, are always eager to know more.

Today’s parents are better educated and hence the parents who know about STEM education are aware that such concepts are of critical importance to build their children’s future. Hence, the parents are willing and even excited to get their children enrolled for STEM education.

edInbox: How actively do students involve themselves in understanding STEM education?

Irina: Talking about students, they are enjoying STEM education because it helps them connect what is being taught with what they are witnessing. In case of many students, we are being able to witness a complete transformation where the students who used to be extremely coy and introvert are gaining more self-confidence and are beginning to open up.

edInbox: In the context of Nepalese education system where learning by rote and scoring good grades are the most important constituents of evaluating the educational development of students, how different and difficult do you think is it going to be to popularize STEM education?

Irina: The systems of rote learning and getting attractive grade sheets are deeply ingrained not only in the minds of parents but also in the minds of students. This mindset is prevalent even amongst the students of Kathmandu, which apparently is the most developed city of Nepal. So, we can’t expect STEM education to change this mindset immediately. People are becoming aware of the importance of practical education slowly and hence we do expect full-fledged acceptance for STEM education from all the stakeholders slowly but steadily.

edInbox: Where does Nepal stand in terms of development of STEM education if compared with the international scenario?

Irina: STEM education has made enormous development in the international arena where we can witness small children doing programming tasks. Globally, STEM education has received wider acceptance. Various institutions have opened up that deal exclusively with STEM education.

However, Nepal is still in the nascent stage as far as STEM education is concerned.

edInbox: Is the corporate sector aware about STEM education? Is it doing its bit in furthering the cause of STEM education?

Irina: Since STEM education is not such a promulgated idea, we cannot expect the corporate houses to separately add value to STEM education. We believe that STEM education would develop the contemporary soft skills amongst today’s young minds so efficiently that in the coming years, corporate houses wouldn’t be able to ignore the idea of STEM at all.

edInbox: How much and in what ways is the Nepalese government supporting the development of STEM education in the country?

Irina: Yes, an extensive support is being provided by the government.

I can give you the example of an inter-school STEM competition that had taken place, which we named ‘Bhawisya’. We had collaboration from various companies and our event was supported by the Nepalese government as well. Even the ministers from various governmental departments had come to support our students.

Therefore, we can see governmental support in helping us popularize the idea of STEM education. Hopefully, with the kind of government support that we are getting, our concept is going to be more popular in the future.

#STEMEducation #nepal

Reporting by Mahima Poddar, Glocal Khabar
Special Correspondent, Kathmandu, Nepal

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