It was 5 a.m. and the sound of an alarm clock woke me up. I got up, got ready, grabbed my bags, and headed to the OLE Nepal office where my colleague Deepa was waiting for me. For a head start, we had packed all the necessary equipment, laptops, stationeries, and other documents properly a day before, and I couldn't help but feel content that all the things were moving as per the plan. We both were feeling robust as we picked up those heavy bags and loaded them on and off from the taxi and throughout our travel. We knew domestic flights are always late. While waiting in the lobby of the airport, listening to the music and flight announcements both at the same time, I was trying to make a visual image of the school and the people whom I would be interacting with for the next five days. We were going for XO laptop deployment at the Arun Jyoti Primary School in Kaski, Pokhara.
The librarian of the school, Miss Hari Maya Neupane, was waiting for us outside the airport. We engaged in a quick introduction and headed to the school. On our way, Miss Hari gave us insight into the school and the library, Ria’s Reading Room, which was established with foreign aid by Wanda in memory of her mother.
I was startled by the beauty of Pokhara as we reached Sundari Dadha (hill), where the school was located. We could see both Begnas Lake and Rupa Lake on each side, resting calmly between those magnificent hills. We quickly unloaded all the XO laptops and other equipment in the library and headed out for lunch.
Our official interaction started with an introduction to the teachers and XO laptops. As Deepa was conducting the session, I quickly unboxed the offline server and my toolbox to set up a network. I placed the server, switch, and router in a safe place, connecting them with RJ45 cables. All thanks to the training I received in the office, setting up a network was like a piece of cake. During my introduction, I used simple vocabulary to explain our technical system. I was glad to sense some enthusiasm among teachers who were listening actively.
As we learned about the absence of proper security in the school, we could not help but carry all the laptops to and fro from the librarian’s house where we were living. Despite this hassle, we were glad to see the natural beauty of Sundari Dadha. Luckily, we had a room that faced Rara Lake.
With the feel of fresh air just outside our window, we planned our day each morning, followed by a proper examination of the laptops. We were juggling our time to meet the requirements of the plan between the power cuts and ongoing internal exams at the school. However, these early morning preparations helped us to maintain our cool during the training hours. We focused on E-Paath activities during power cuts and helped them understand the concept of E-Pustakalaya and its use during power-available times. As a refresher to the hectic training, we made teachers sing their favorite local songs, which they sang very happily. You can listen to them singing here.
Another round of training was provided on the basic knowledge of operating, safekeeping, and troubleshooting the XO laptops. I explained the school server, intranet, and network in the simplest language possible. The teachers were also made to do the overall process of connecting the server to its power, linking the switch with the server, and then to the router. This process made them more comfortable with the device and helped them understand networking better. Following the training on integrated teaching techniques, we also organized micro-teaching sessions of 15 minutes, where teachers used both course books and XO laptops while demonstrating the techniques. We trained two students on using the E-Paath activities and asked them for feedback. You can watch their video here.
These five days went by in the blink of an eye. The last day of the program was basically reserved for a Q&A session where the teachers shared their concerns about the XO laptops. It was reassuring to see teachers fully familiar with the XO laptops. The students and teachers all gathered to explore the green boxes full of knowledge.
Miss Hari was one of the most enthusiastic learners among the teachers. She also had the advantage of learning a bit more than the other teachers while we stayed in her home. She also took us on walks around Rupa and Begnas lakes. We even went boating in Begnas Lake after the training period. Hypnotized by the sunset and the overall beauty of the surroundings, it was hard for us to think of returning. They say traveling is going to unfamiliar places among unfamiliar faces and leaving a part of you there among the unknown. And for us, we had established a connection—not just the connection of the server and routers but a connection of hearts with the place and the people.
Being a computer student, all I had to do was understand and communicate with electronic devices and computers. After joining OLE Nepal and assisting in many field visits, my timidity has been taken over by immense self-esteem and confidence in myself. I wouldn't say that I have completely changed, but the internship has definitely upgraded my skills. I have been fortunate to learn so much from this internship and about the importance of teamwork. And, not to forget about my public speaking, which has certainly improved. Now, while looking back, I just cannot wait to headway with another exciting field visit.
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