Nepali Pathshala

Language is a core part of our identity and the most important way we pass our culture and heritage to future generations. To preserve the Nepali language, culture, and traditions—and to nurture our identity within Canada’s rich multicultural society—Nepali Pathshala was established in 2015 with the support of dedicated community volunteers. What began with a small group of students and volunteers has now grown into a vibrant learning community serving more than 160 students, from Kindergarten to Grade 11, alongside their regular schooling. Our students include Canadian-born children and young immigrants of Nepali origin living in Calgary.
To strengthen students’ sense of connection and pride, Pathshala has recently introduced a new class structure. Students are now organized into six groups named after the great mountains of Nepal: Saipal, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Makalu, Kangchenjunga, and Sagarmatha. The primary goal of Nepali Pathshala is to teach the Nepali language to our children. At the same time, our program goes beyond language learning. We aim to help children understand and appreciate Nepali traditions, festivals, values, and heritage.
Pathshala also focuses on supporting children’s mental well-being, building a strong sense of belonging, and encouraging cooperation and leadership. We believe in preparing our children to become confident future leaders while maintaining a meaningful connection with Nepal.
We warmly invite all members of the Nepalese community to be part of this journey. Together, we can help our children grow into culturally confident individuals who proudly carry their Nepalese identity while thriving in Canada’s multicultural society.

Establishment:

Established in 2015 by the Nepalese Community Society of Calgary (NCSC) Nepali Pathshala aims to preserve and transfer Nepali language, culture, and literature to new generations. Since its inception, Mrs. Shama Upadhyay has been actively involved and contributed as the Principal educator till 2018. Her expertise in teaching the Nepali language to students is noteworthy. The success of Nepali Pathshala to date is the combined efforts of teachers, volunteers, students, parents, NCSC Executive members, and the Pathshala Board of Directors. At present, Mrs. Shradha Rupakheti is serving as the Principal since the academic year 2021-22.

Objective:

The objective of Nepali Pathshala is to provide Nepali language learning opportunities to Nepalese children residing in Calgary. To enable them to write, read and speak in the Nepali language. Further, Nepali Pathshala aims to protect and transfer Nepalese culture and values to the younger generations.

Student Registration

Every year during the month of August, Nepali Pathshala conducts an open house for registration. Parents interested in enrolling their children are provided with registration forms and media consents forms. Registration for new enrolment starts in September. The annual Registration fee for our program is $50.00 and should be paid at the beginning of the school year. Students’ enrollment has increased from 15 in the 2015/16 academic year to 82 currently (see figure below). Three paid female teachers and 8 volunteers (7 females and 1 male) provide education to the children.

Classrooms

Nepali Pathshala runs three classes starting September every Sunday for two hours in an annually contracted community space provided by the 1000 voice, Genesis Centre. The classes are in-person but due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the current method of instruction is online using the Zoom platform from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM every Sunday. Classes run in three cohorts based on students’ understanding of Nepali language and culture: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced levels. Currently, there are 4 classes (Level 1, 2,3, and Blended class) running with a total of 82 students enrolled. Nepali Pathshala School follows the public-school calendar which runs from September to June and closes during July, August, during the summer and Christmas holidays. Further, classes are closed on Sundays of the long weekend holidays.