SUCCESSFUL INSTALLATION OF OUR FIRST-EVER COMMUNITY LEARNING ENVIRONMENT CENTER (CLEC) IN BHIMSEN THAPA RURAL MUNICIPALITY, GORKHA
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BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECTAfter the successful installation of the Collaborative Learning Environment Center (CLEC) at Shree Siddhakali Secondary School, the mayor was deeply impressed by the innovative design and the concept of fostering collaboration within the room, the school, and the broader community. Inspired by the transformative potential of the CLEC, he personally requested our founder, Mr. Edmond Antoine, to establish a similar facility in the new administrative building of the Rural Municipality.
This request laid the foundation for the CLEC (Community Learning Environment Center) project at Bhimsen Thapa Rural Municipality, marking a new chapter in bringing technology and collaboration closer to the community. Mayor’s Vision
The Mayor envisions the Ward-level Community Learning Environment Centers (CLECs) as vital infrastructure to connect all communities within Bhimsenthapa Rural Municipality—spanning all 8 wards, schools, and various institutions such as youth clubs, health posts etc. His goal is to establish two-way communication between these entities, fostering stronger coordination and collaboration. By leveraging digital and collaborative tools through CLECs, the Mayor aims to transform Bhimsenthapa into a smart and inclusive rural municipality.
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PURPOSE OF THE CLEC ROOM
The CLEC serves multiple purposes:
- Supporting Rural Municipality Meetings: Enabling efficient communication across its eight wards.
- Enhancing Technological Access: Providing inhabitants with opportunities to explore and leverage modern technology.
- Developing the BTRM CLEC as a central hub: Connecting schools and ward-level CLECs within Bhimsenthapa Rural Municipality, fostering collaboration, resource sharing, and unified learning experiences across the region.
- Functioning as a Training Center: The CLEC hosts various training programs for teachers, students, and community members, supporting continuous professional development and the cultivation of essential 21st-century skills within the rural municipality.
Phase 1: Initial Installation
n November 3, 2023, our Nepalese team, accompanied by DB4N President Mr. Edmond Antoine, delivered and installed equipment at the CLEC in Bhimsen Thapa Rural Municipality. Despite the building's incomplete status, the Mayor demonstrated his commitment by offering a fully furnished and equipped room to house the CLEC.
Phase 2: Expansion and Upgrades
On January 20, 2024, additional equipment was delivered and installed following a needs assessment and discussions with the Chairman of the Rural Municipality, Mr. Lok Prasad Banjara. This phase included adding wheels to all equipment, both existing and new, to enhance mobility and adaptability within the CLEC. The DBofN installation team installed a laptop cabinet with a charging station on April 28th, 2025 in the CLEC room.
We extend our gratitude and congratulations to Mr. Banjara for his leadership and vision, which were instrumental in the success of this project.
We extend our gratitude and congratulations to Mr. Banjara for his leadership and vision, which were instrumental in the success of this project.
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SUCCESSFUL PILOT TRAINING HELD FOR COMMUNITY TEACHERS AND BTRM STAFF
A one-day pilot training for community teachers, ward officials, and staff members of Bhimsenthapa Rural Municipality (BTRM) was successfully conducted on May 18, 2025, at the municipal CLEC hall. The session welcomed 25 participants, including school teachers, computer operators and municipal staff.
The training was facilitated by Mr. Tashi Norbu Lama, who brings over five years of experience teaching computer science to Grades 11 and 12 at Shechen Monastery and has served as an accountant in various companies. Mr. Lama, who holds a Master’s degree in Business Studies, collaborated with the Digital Bridges of Nepal (DBofN) team to design and deliver the training. The course content was developed based on a prior needs assessment conducted with 18 officers from rural municipality offices and community schools. The training module covered:
The session was highly productive and well-received, with participants expressing enthusiasm and providing positive feedback. This training marks a promising step toward integrating digital learning and administrative collaboration within the municipality. |
"What makes the CLEC model innovative isn’t just technology—it’s how we bring people together to learn collaboratively, using resources we already have. By transforming learning spaces and methods, we’re seeing students, teachers, and communities reconnecting through shared knowledge. CLECs are not only enhancing education but also becoming hubs for community empowerment in this digital age." — Chitra Bahadur Adhikari, Chief Administrative Officer, Bhimsenthapa Rural Municipality
"The Collaborative Learning Environment Center (CLEC) is more than a digital space—it's a hub where community members learn from one another, share knowledge, and connect through technology. From IT sessions to remote training and regular Zoom meetings, CLEC has made learning more accessible and collaborative for everyone. I truly appreciate and support this innovative concept." — Deepak Pandey, IT Officer, Bhimsenthapa Rural Municipality
"The Collaborative Learning Environment Center (CLEC) is more than a digital space—it's a hub where community members learn from one another, share knowledge, and connect through technology. From IT sessions to remote training and regular Zoom meetings, CLEC has made learning more accessible and collaborative for everyone. I truly appreciate and support this innovative concept." — Deepak Pandey, IT Officer, Bhimsenthapa Rural Municipality