dipak chaulagain

'I am only a medium to bring change in my students' lives' says Mr. Dipak Chaulagain.After finishing his secondary education in Kavre, Dipak Chaulagain came to Kathmandu for further studies. Here, at a government campus, he studied education to become a teacher. Students of education are
required to gain teaching experience towards their practical exam, which Dipak did at the Krishna Mandir School, a government school in Kshetrapati. Upon completion, the school was eager for him to stay on
as a teacher to fill a vacant position. For Dipak, their offer was a dream come true and marked the beginning of his wonderful journey in teaching.

Now aged 35, Dipak has been teaching for 13 years. In this time, his fascination in and enthusiasm for his chosen profession have not waned. There are about 150 students at the Krishna Mandir School; almost all from poor families and about twenty percent of which are domestic child workers. Dipak considers himself privileged to teach all of these students. He understands the impact which education can have on their lives and sees himself humbly as a medium in bringing about their change.

With his monthly income of Rs. 13,000 (USD 146), Dipak looks after his family’s quotidian needs including the education of his 4 children. He, together with some of his colleagues, also provide meals and purchase school uniforms for some students in his school.

It's been two years since Dipak began his association with Kehi Garoun as a self responsible member. He gladly pays his monthly Rs. 100 membership fee without waiting for KG to collect it because he recognises the effect which this money can have, even on the lives of his own students.

---