Kailali — The innovative ‘Book Free Friday’ initiative launched under the visionary leadership of Ward Chairperson Rabindra Shahi ‘Guddu’ of Godawari Municipality Ward No. 10 is rapidly emerging as a transformative model for practical and quality education in the region. Designed to enhance academic standards while strengthening students’ practical knowledge and life skills, the program has now become a defining educational identity of Godawari-10.
First introduced in 2081 B.S. as a pilot program at Shree Janaki Secondary School, the initiative has since evolved into a landmark educational reform at the ward level. By moving beyond textbook-centric learning, the program dedicates every Friday to creative, practical, and life-oriented activities, giving students a platform to explore their talents and apply real-world learning.
Under the Book Free Friday framework, students actively participate in creative writing, art, public speaking, cultural performances, leadership development, teamwork, and life-skills training. School authorities report significant improvements in students’ confidence, leadership capacity, communication skills, and collaborative mindset, marking a shift toward holistic education.
Following strong positive feedback from students, teachers, and parents, Godawari Municipality Ward No. 10 has officially allocated budget for Fiscal Year 2082/083 to expand the Book Free Friday program across all four schools in the ward. This institutionalization reflects the ward’s long-term commitment to sustainable educational reform.
At a time when several community schools in the municipality remain closed, community schools in Godawari-10 stood out by observing the 85th Martyrs’ Day through the Book Free Friday platform. Students honored the martyrs with poetry, artwork, speeches, and cultural performances, integrating patriotic values with creative learning.
Ward Chairperson Rabindra Shahi emphasized that education must not be confined to textbooks alone.“True education connects knowledge with life. Our goal is to equip students not only with academic learning but also with practical skills to face real-world challenges and become responsible, capable citizens,” he said.
Local residents, education stakeholders, and parents believe this initiative is positioning Godawari-10 as a model ward for practical, life-oriented education, setting an inspiring example for other wards and municipalities across Nepal.
