Dhading, June 21

Traditional teaching method and weak management has led to a sharp decline in number of students at the community schools located at the remote areas of Dhading district.

As private schools are under operation in many parts of the district, the community schools are gradually loosing charm among the students and their guardians.

The guardians in the district do not mind making hard labour to earn enough to send their school to a private, English medium school.

Although many private schools are located at far away places, but attraction towards the private schools is so high that the guardians do not mind carrying students on their back to such schools.

Baburam Bhatta, principal of Sahid Prakashjung Primary School at Bhatta village of Maidi-2,said that the community schools are facing closure owing to sharp fall in students number.

Only 12 students are studying at the community school of the village, sources said.

The school is in a dilapidated condition and has been operating classes from grade 1 to 6. In grade one, a total of seven students are studying.

"Students no more attend classes at the community schools," said Bhatta.

According to Bhatta, the school, established during 2052 BS, operated classes from one to six. However with very less number of students the school decided to operate classes up to six.

The local teachers attribute carelessness of the school management and lack of proper maintenance behind deteriorating condition of the community schools.

A total of 16 community schools and two private schools are located at Maidi Villaege Development Committee.

The sudden downfall in student number has created a menace for entire community schools.

When asked about the situation, the district education officer Dipendra Subedi said, "The community schools with fewer students should be merged with each other keeping in mind about the geographical structure."