Reflections from My Time as an RT Fellow at Social Lab
Working with Social Lab has been a truly rewarding experience. From the moment I joined, I was inspired by the organization’s vision and mission. The work environment was not only healthy but also filled with supportive and collaborative team members, allowing me to focus fully on my responsibilities.
Before joining, I was informed that the schools would be located in remote areas and that proved true. The journey, especially with the difficult road conditions, was challenging. However, the warm reception I received from the schools made everything worth it. The teachers were welcoming and incredibly helpful. Their support was essential; managing the sessions alone would have been quite chaotic. Their presence made it a shared learning experience for both students and staff.
In the beginning, the students were shy and reserved. Confidence was low, though their untapped talents were evident. This is where our role as RT fellows became crucial. By the end of the program, we noticed a remarkable transformation. The children became more social, began participating actively, and learned the value of teamwork. They started discovering their inner voices and were able to express themselves both musically and verbally.
In many public schools across Nepal, subjects focused solely on recreation or creative development are often overlooked. Through the RT sessions, our selected schools began to see a new possibility: that schools don’t have to be just places for academics; they can be nurturing grounds for various talents. These sessions showcased students who were not only bright in their studies but also curious, outspoken, and eager to experiment and grow.
Personally, this role pushed me to go beyond the basic responsibilities. I found myself deeply invested in planning engaging activities, incorporating fun vocal exercises, creative techniques, and music theory in ways the children could enjoy and learn from. I wanted every session to be meaningful and memorable.
In the broader context of Nepal’s education system, schools often prioritize academics alone. Yet, not every student is meant to be a scholar. Many possess other strengths that go unnoticed. RT sessions help students build self-confidence, foster a love for learning, and develop their individual potential. They allow students to grow holistically.
I witnessed this transformation firsthand. Take Pratikchya from Balsudhar School, our youngest participant. At first, she was extremely shy and hardly spoke. By the end of the sessions, she was beaming with joy, expressing herself freely and engaging warmly with her peers. Then there’s Simson, once considered a mischievous child. As the sessions progressed, he revealed an exceptional musical ear, especially in percussion. With the right guidance, his talent could take him far.
My journey with Social Lab has been one of growth, not just for the students, but for me as well. It reminded me of the importance of nurturing every child’s unique potential and the power of creative education in shaping a better future.
(Gurung is a musician, the manager of Big Mart in Sundarijal, and the lead vocalist of a band.)
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