Junkiri (which means "Firefly" in Nepali) is a creative, alternative learning program in the village of Sankhu near Kathmandu, Nepal, started in August 2005 by Indira Ranamagar, director of Prisoners’ Assistance Nepal (PA Nepal). Current enrollment is 80 students, some from PA-Nepal's home for children who would otherwise be in jail with a convicted parent, and

Junkiri field trip

some from the local community. Junkiri is the first program of its kind in Nepal. The school is growing and serves as a model to address the unique educational needs of many children in Nepal.

VISION

Junkiri's students learn in a supportive learning environment that encourages children to be creative, and reach their individual and unique potentials. Teaching methods are based on the children's learning styles and current capacity to help them move in a direction that traditional teaching environments have not explored. The idea acknowledges that all individuals learn differently and that creative and flexible teaching practices and curriculums may serve children who are not finding success in Nepal’s educational system.

The children attending Junkiri have had limited educational and learning opportunities. Many spent years living in prison. These children need an environment which educates them but

Writing class

also addresses their holistic health and helps them address issues which may be a barrier to learning and reaching their potential.

Junkiri's teachers guide students to be creative, inquisitive, and happy. The program features yoga and meditation classes, many art and music activities, cooking classes, a student garden, and field trips. Girls are treated as equals to boys, and there is one teacher for every seven students. Instruction is individualized to the student, hands-on learning is emphasized, and the focus is on the students' total emotional, physical, spiritual and intellectual well being. Many international volunteers from Europe, North America, and Asia, add another immeasurable dimension to this amazing program.

GOALS

1. To use creative and flexible teaching methods for children who are not successful in the available educational system.

Cooking class

2. To provide an alternative learning environment which addresses children's holistic needs and embraces their unique backgrounds.

3. To offer a creative and alternative educational model for Nepal, that addresses the unique educational needs of individual children.

4. To empower children to be leaders in their communities, embracing diversity and offering creative solutions to the problems they face.