In the wake of Nepal’s recent youth-led movement, we have been reminded—through both grief and hope—that democracy cannot be sustained by political institutions alone. It lives through the courage, conscience, and participation of citizens, especially the younger generation. As the nation witnessed Gen Z rise with urgency and moral clarity, demanding accountability and justice, we at Teach For Nepal were reminded of our own calling: to prepare children not just for academic success, but for the responsibilities of active citizenship. The story that follows—“Ballots, Inked Fingers, and Future of our Democracy”—offers a glimpse into how that vision is taking root in our classrooms and communities.

Ballots, Inked Fingers, and Future of our Democracy: Nurturing Active Citizenship in Students.

At Shree Deep Narayan Adarsha School in Parsa, the spirit of democracy came alive this June. Students from Grades 6 to 10 queued to cast their votes in a mock school election, transforming the school grounds into a miniature version of Nepal’s polling centers. The announcement came during a regular morning assembly — an election to choose Class Monitors, House Captains, and School Captains. With clear criteria for candidacy such as attendance, leadership, and discipline, the school buzzed with excitement as students filed their nominations and delivered campaign speeches to their peers.

Staff meetings turned into spaces of collaboration, where teachers and Fellows divided responsibilities, prepared ballot papers and boxes, and managed voter lists. On election day, the school grounds came alive with energy and anticipation. Even the simple act of coloring their nails to mark that they had voted brought students immense joy and a deep sense of ownership. Ballots were counted in the presence of student representatives to ensure fairness and transparency.

When results were announced, students noticed that popularity sometimes triumphed over academic excellence — sparking thoughtful conversations about how this mirrors real-world politics. Teachers and Fellows used this moment to guide reflections on leadership, values, and the responsibilities of democratic participation. The newly elected student leaders soon took on real responsibilities — organizing activities, supporting teachers, and helping maintain discipline. The school became more vibrant, inclusive, and self-managed, offering a living lesson in active citizenship. 

One student reflected, “Learning doesn’t happen only inside textbooks. Sometimes it walks into our schools dressed as ballots, ink-marked fingers, and the hopeful voices of children ready to lead.”

This experience in Parsa echoes a growing national sentiment among Nepal’s youth — a new generation realizing that democracy is not a distant idea but a lived practice. 

During a recent supporters community call, when asked how Teach For Nepal helps build democratic values and teaches citizenship, student alumnus Sajid Ansar offered a heartfelt response. 

“When we see Teach For Nepal teachers choose to come to government schools to teach us, when I see how they think beyond their own self-interest, it inspires me to also think not just about my own success and growth but also my role to serve my community and country — that is citizenship in practice,” he said.

Taught and mentored by Fellows Sushil Singh (2021–2023) and Rashmi Adhikari (2024–2026), Sajid shared how their mentorship ignited his love for technology and helped him earn a Samanta Fellowship for higher studies. 

Sajid’s words capture the essence of Teach For Nepal’s mission — leadership rooted in empathy, service, and shared responsibility. Amid the recent Gen Z movement that has reawakened civic consciousness across the nation, Teach For Nepal’s classrooms are quietly shaping the same spirit — nurturing students who think critically, lead compassionately, and act responsibly.

At its heart, democracy is not an event; it is an everyday act of showing up for the larger good.

From students proudly marking their inked nails after casting a mock vote to Fellows who dedicate their lives to serving under-resourced communities, Teach For Nepal continues to nurture a generation that not only learns about democracy but lives it — one classroom, one decision, one act of courage at a time.