Students with Children
Some people may feel that attending classes and studying while having children to take care of is an impossible challenge guaranteed to introduce all manner of stresses and strains to family life. Add to these the difficulties of living in a third-world country and this challenge may appear insurmountable.
However, for many parents with young children, Nepal has proven itself to be surprisingly conducive to allowing them to strike an effective balance between studies and family life. Indeed, with a little bit of planning and common sense precautions, family life in Nepal can be very relaxing and relatively hassle-free. In many ways, Nepal offers something different from developed countries. The openness of its people and the way they normally interact with and care for young children is uncomplicated, inspiring and highly reassuring.
Boudhanath itself has the atmosphere of a village, with its own customs and rhythm, though it is only some 30 minutes distant from the city center. Here, everyone seems to know each other and this brings with it a sense of ease and familiarity making everyday family life both safe and easy.
Living in Boudhanath can also prove relatively inexpensive, and with just a little extra money, one can enjoy many small indulgencies!. There are also many comfortable apartments and houses available for rent that range from studios to 2- or 3-bedroom apartments having kitchens, living areas and dining rooms. One can choose a rooftop apartment having a view of the stupa or a house with a beautiful garden. In other words, it is relatively easy to find a suitable home for a family. Please contact the Senior Student Services Officer for help in finding a suitable living space.
An essential factor in balancing family life and studies is known to be employing a “didi,” or “elder sister”. In the work context, a didi is a housekeeper who carries out domestic tasks such as cleaning, cooking and accompanying the children to and from school, etc. Nepalese people in general, and women in particular, are normally wonderful in their relationships with children.
Compared to the time, energy and effort it takes to study and raise children in developed countries, parents are often amazed at how much easier life can be in Nepal. Many students with young families comment that they have a greater support system in Nepal comprised of a didi, classmates and the communities of RYI and Boudhanath than they would have at home.
Below, are some addresses related to support services that may be helpful to parents who wish to make the transition from their home country to Nepal and RYI. You may also contact Student Services if you have any questions.
Doctors:
Kopila, the Well Baby Clinic
Pulchowk, Lalitpur
Opp. Lalitpur Municipality
Phone: +977-1-554-2767, +977-1-555-1109
www.kopilaclinic.com
CIWEC Hospital
British-Indian Embassy road, Lainchaur, Lazimpat
Phone: +977-1-442-4111
www.ciwechospital.com
Utpala Baudha Health Clinic
Pawo Gompa Road, Boudha, Kathmandu
Phone: +977-9813709192
Playgroups/Kindergarten/Grade Schools:
Wonderland International Preschool
Kapan Marg, Narayangopal Chowk, Kathmandu, Nepal
(at Maharajgunj, Chakrapat) 20 min. from Boudha
Phone: +977-01-4378123
Email: wonderlandintschool@gmail.com
The director of the school is Mrs. Maya Rana from Mauritius, who is a qualified educator with 25 years’ experience in teaching. The school is run in English with French language optional. It is a very sweet, little school, similar to those found in Europe with lots of toys, fun activities, and freedom. It is conceived for kids from the age of 18 months to 6 years. The school has a nice garden and a school bus which picks children up at Boudhanath gate.
Children’s Garden Preschool
Aryal Gaun Tamang Gompa, Jorpati 3, Kathmandu, Nepal
in Boudha, about 10 minutes from the stupa.
Mobile 1: +977-980-325-2404
Mobile 2: +977-980-361-0104
Email: childrens.garden01@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Childrens.Garden
This preschool is fully based on the Montessori method of education, focusing on a child’s holistic development.
Kidzee Boudha
Boudha, Kathmandu
Phone: +977-01-4461060
Email: kidzeeboudha@gmail.com
Learning Tree
Phone: +977-4479250
Email: learningtreeboudha@gmail.com
Tashi Waldorf School
PO Box 8975 EPC No. 4218
Bansbari, Kathmandu, Nepal
Phone: +977-01-4370718
Email: info@childrenofnepal.org
www.childrenofnepal.org
This is a beautiful school which integrates the Rudolf Steiner principle. For children from 3 to 9 years of age.
English-Tibetan or English-Nepali High Schools in Boudha:
Srongtsen Bhrikuti Boarding High School
P.O. Box No. 1609
Boudha, Tinchuli, Kathmandu, Nepal
Phone: +977-01-4915922
Fax: +977-1-496-501
Email: srongtsenht@gmail.com
Principal: sbbhsp@gmail.com
www.srongtsenschool.wordpress.com
Himalayan Int’l Model Higher Secondary School
Phone: +977-01-4910580
Email: info@hims.edu.np
www.hims.edu.np
International Schools
(These are high quality schools if one can afford them):
Lincoln School
PO Box 2673
Rabi Bhawan
Kathmandu, Nepal
Phone: +977-1-427-0482
Fax: +977-1-427-2685
www.lsnepal.com
(uses an American curriculum, accredited in the US and Europe; preschool through grade 12)
The British School
Phone: +977-1-552-1794
Fax No: +977-1-552-2012
Email: info@tbs.edu.np
www.tbskathmandu.org
(follows the English and Welsh National Curriculum; nursery through the Sixth Form)
Ecole Francaise Internationale, Lazimpat
PO Box 452, Katmandou, Nepal
Phone: +977-01-4001673
Email: contact@efiktm.com
www.efiktm.com
Restaurants with special facilities for kids
(cafés which provide a playful environment for kids):
Utpala Café
+977-9810700763
utpalacafeboudha@gmail.com
www.utpalacafe.com
Organic Garden with Kid’s Playground
+977-9841265588
orgarden13@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/organicgarden.com.np/
U Café
A Japanese restaurant with a nice garden, playground, baby chairs…and excellent food!
Bakery Café
A chain of restaurants throughout Kathmandu, which especially caters for children.
