STARS Foundation

Meet Rajeev

Rajeev goes to Deurali School in Dhading district and is a member of the Child Club initiated by Restless Development Nepal volunteers. There are over 500 students in his school and 16 teachers in total. Most of the students are from farming backgrounds and are below 18 years old.

Before the formation of the Deurali Child Club by Restless Development Nepal two years ago, most students did not engage in extra-curricular and social activities. There was a general lack of interaction. Thanks to Restless Development’s support, the situation has changed. Different activities are being planned and delivered by students of the Child Club, trained and encouraged by former Restless Development Nepal volunteers. Leadership training has helped them become responsible and take ownership of projects. Students now play a key role in leading activities. They have also been trained on street drama techniques.

The activities have increased the level and quality of interaction amongst students and amongst students and teachers. Teachers highlight the fact that students’ attitude has changed significantly. Their overall academic performance has also improved.

On a monthly basis, students perform street drama on key issues related to their communities, such as drug use, malnutrition, preventable diseases, human trafficking, etc. The dramas are scripted and performed by the students themselves. Students also perform during festivals and community events, which helps to raise awareness on community issues amongst parents, families, community leaders and encourages behaviour change.

These pictures depict Rajeev performing a drama in front of his school and covering issues such as diarrhoea and preventable diseases. In the play, Rajeev eats a bowl of vegetables without washing his hands beforehand and suddenly feels very sick.