The Impact of Book Free Friday Program of Kathmandu Metropolitan City Among the Students of Government Schools

Abstract

This research investigates and explores the impact of the Book Free Friday (BFF) program, an initiative launched by the Kathmandu Metropolitan City aimed at enhancing active student involvement and learning in government schools of Kathmandu Metropolis. The program supports experiential learning, skill-based learning, project-based or hands-on activities instead of traditional academic approaches and thereby encourages 21st century skills such as creativity, communication, critical thinking and collaboration through various clubs based and practical skill-building activities. Using a qualitative research design, data collection was done through semi-structured interviews and a survey which gave the participants an opportunity to express their views regarding the effectiveness and challenges of this initiative. The result indicated the effectiveness of the BFF program, as there has been an increase in student participation and creativity. As per the study, students feel more empowered, motivated, confident and closer to their peers, while teachers have improved their teaching-learning approaches and professional growth in their teaching career. Along with positive aspects of the program, several challenges were also noted, such as, a lack of proper resources, a lack of genuine alignment between activities and students’ interest and a call for better planning of the program. As a researcher, I believe the program has potential to bring about change in the learning environment in schools through holistic development and a sense of belonging among the students through student agency. With continued improvement through reflection and support, the BFF program has the potential to contribute to long-term improvements in Nepal’s education system and serve as a model for innovative educational practices.