Reflecting on my time leading the Kheldai Sikdai Making Space Project, I am filled with a sense of pride and gratitude for the transformative journey we embarked on. This project was not just about creating a physical space for playful learning—it was about fostering a culture where creativity, collaboration, and curiosity could thrive in classrooms.
From the very beginning, the vision for the Kheldai Sikdai (Making Space) project was clear: to co-create a space where students and teachers could engage with learning in a hands-on, meaningful way. But this vision was not something I dictated; it was shaped through deep conversations with the teachers, school leaders, and community members we worked with.
These conversations often revolved around values, resources, and aspirations: What did we want this space to represent? How could it align with the unique needs and contexts of each school? The answers to these questions became the foundation of our journey. By rooting the project in the principles of playful learning, we challenged traditional notions of education that often focus solely on rote memorization and compliance.
The underlying philosophy was simple but profound: when children engage in purposeful play, they don’t just learn; they discover how to think critically, solve problems, and collaborate effectively—skills that are essential in a rapidly changing world.
What truly set this project apart was its co-creational approach. Instead of imposing a pre-designed toolkit or curriculum, we partnered with teachers to design and implement the program together. Through frequent school visits, we immersed ourselves in the realities of their classrooms, allowing us to tailor our methods to their specific needs. Open and ongoing communication with school leaders and teachers ensured that their perspectives and ideas shaped every decision.
For me, this process was a reminder that education is most impactful when it is collaborative—when we bring together diverse perspectives to create something meaningful. The idea that teachers are co-creators, not just implementers, became a cornerstone of the project.
One of the most inspiring aspects of this collaboration was seeing teachers take ownership of the Making Spaces. While some were initially hesitant—unsure of how to incorporate playful learning into their practices—they gradually grew more confident as they explored the toolkits and experimented with hands-on activities. Their enthusiasm became infectious, sparking excitement in their students and reaffirming the power of this approach.
I have vivid memories of the countless hours spent sketching 3D layouts of the spaces, brainstorming creative themes, and leading teacher development sessions. These weren’t just workshops to introduce the concept of Making Spaces; they were opportunities to cultivate a sense of ownership and passion among teachers and school leaders. Together, we shared values, uncovered resources, and devised ways to integrate Making Spaces seamlessly into both the curriculum and after-school programs.
This journey was a reminder of what’s possible when collaboration is at the core—a reminder that lasting impact is built not through imposition but through shared vision and co-creation.
Co-designing Making Spaces with School Teachers (Karkhana Samuha).pdf
The story of the Making Space at Panchakanya School is one of transformation and resilience. After the 2015 earthquake, the school faced significant challenges, admitting many students from diverse backgrounds while struggling to maintain science exhibitions and extracurricular activities. This led to a loss of student interest in such programs. When Principal Rupa Manandhar expressed her desire to reignite students’ passion for STEAM, it became clear that a Making Space would be the perfect solution.
What started as a dusty storage room with water tanks was transformed into a vibrant hub of innovation. Teachers and students collaboratively chose the theme of "Robotics and Coding," inspired by the interests of the STEAM Club. Though construction faced delays due to the contractor's busy schedule, the space was inaugurated on Exhibition Day, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the school.