Career Choices Beyond Boundaries: How a Career Exhibition Sparked Change in Tanahun

Dec. 15, 2024

“I never thought of cybersecurity as a career before today. Now, I want to learn more about it," shared a young boy, his eyes bright with newfound excitement. "Talking to the cybersecurity expert made me realize there’s so much out there I haven’t explored.” Similar sentiments echoed throughout Janakalyan Higher Secondary School, where over 250 students, parents, and professionals gathered for a transformative Career Exhibition. For many students in Tanahun, a semi-urban town near Pokhara, this was not just an event—it was a push to dream bigger.

Growing up in rural settings with limited resources, students often viewed careers narrowly—teacher, doctor, or government official. This event, organized by Teach For Nepal Fellows placed in the Tanahun clusters, aimed to shift those boundaries. Inspired by Teach For All’s Future of Work initiative, the exhibition sought to broaden horizons and empower students to take ownership of their futures. It wasn’t about presenting a one-time solution but rather a productive interference in students’ lives, offering them a glimpse of the wider world of possibilities.

One of the Fellows, Ankit Bhattarai, reflected on the significance of exposure in his own journey. Raised in Kathmandu, Ankit’s family moved to the city seeking better opportunities. There, he encountered diverse professions and eventually pursued technology, a field that excited him. “I realized my privilege in having this exposure," Ankit shared. "But what about students in places like Tanahun, where options are limited by what they see around them? That’s why I wanted to bring this exhibition to life.”

For another Fellow, Dikshya Khaling, the exhibition was equally personal. Having grown up in a small town, she knew the struggles of limited exposure to career awareness. She recounted how one of her students, a boy with academic and behavioral challenges, transformed after discovering his love for acting. “He was struggling, but when I introduced drama as a creative outlet, his confidence soared. His participation in a school play marked a turning point for him and for me,” she said. Dikshya’s experience underscored the importance of personalized support and creative interventions, which she hoped the Career Exhibition would amplify.

The Career Exhibition wasn’t easy to organize. Weeks of collaboration with Fellows in the nearby community—and outreach to some who lived away from the central town—along with the support of the local community, turned the idea into reality. The event showcased diverse career pathways—cybersecurity, finance, law, agriculture, culinary arts, and more. Students took the lead, from planning and budgeting to coordinating with professionals and managing logistics. This approach wasn’t just about the event itself; it was a lesson in leadership and ownership.

“We wanted students to be at the center of this,” Ankit explained. “It’s not just about exposing them to careers but empowering them to take charge of their futures.”

On the day of the exhibition, the school was abuzz with energy. Students welcomed guests with pride, guided visitors through booths, and engaged in meaningful conversations with professionals. The air was thick with curiosity and excitement as students explored careers they had never imagined.

A girl, inspired by a farmer’s story, shared her dream of becoming an agricultural entrepreneur. Parents, too, were moved by the event. “Seeing the excitement in these young minds made me feel proud to contribute," remarked a local businessman. A finance professional and alumnus of the school said, “I wish events like this had existed when I was a student. It would have opened so many doors for me and my friends.”

The education officer of Shuklagandaki Municipality, a guest at the event, highlighted its importance: “This event has shown how schools can become hubs of inspiration for students. We need more collaborations like this to truly invest in their future.”

While the exhibition was a milestone, it was never intended to be the sole driver of change. For the Fellows, it was a step—one of many—in empowering students to dream beyond their immediate surroundings. Dikshya reflected, “This wasn’t just about careers—it was about building confidence and showing students that their dreams are valid.”

A student, brimming with excitement, shared, “I want to become an artist. Talking to the creative professionals today made me realize it’s possible if I work hard.” Another student added, “I used to think I’d only end up as a teacher or shopkeeper, but now I want to explore graphic design. This event opened my eyes.”

The days that followed were filled with conversations about new aspirations. Parents expressed gratitude, professionals pledged their continued support, and teachers noted changes in their students. “I’ve never seen them this motivated,” remarked a teacher from the school. “They’re already discussing plans and ideas for the future.”

As the sun set on the event, the Fellows felt a quiet sense of accomplishment. The Career Exhibition had sparked curiosity and ambition, but more importantly, it had planted seeds for future growth. Plans for mentorship programs, professional interactions, and field visits were already taking shape.

“Investing in students means investing in their families and communities too,” Ankit shared. “When we involve parents and local leaders in these conversations, the impact grows exponentially.” He added, “Seeing the community’s support today gave me hope. It reminded me that change is possible when we work together.”

The true impact of the exhibition lies not in its scale but in the shift it inspired. For a boy now dreaming of cybersecurity, a girl envisioning herself as an entrepreneur or a community coming together to support its youth, the event was a catalyst. It showed that productive interventions—when rooted in purpose and collaboration—can open doors to a brighter future.

In Tanahun, the journey continues. The Career Exhibition was a moment in time, but its ripples will carry forward, reminding everyone involved that education finds its meaning when it empowers students to discover and pursue their potential. For the Fellows, it was a reaffirmation of their commitment to working relentlessly—not just for students, but alongside families and communities—to ignite change and build a better future together.

 


Ankit Bhattarai, Teach For Nepal 2023 Computer Fellow, joined the Fellowship in 2023 after completing a Bachelor in Science, Computer Science, and Information Technology from Amrit Science Campus, Tribhuvan University. Dikshya Khaling is a 2023 Teach For Nepal English Fellow. She completed a Bachelor in Arts, Mass Communication, and English from United College, Tribhuvan University. Ankit and Dikshya are currently placed in Shree Janakalyaan Secondary School, Tanahun.

 

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