Nurturing 21st Century Skills through Students’ Quality Circle (SQC) Movement in Nepal

Narayan Prasad Sapkota, Executive Member, QUEST-Nepal ( Director, Public relation)

In today’s rapidly changing world, education systems must equip students not only with academic knowledge but also with skills that help them thrive in the 21st century. These skills include critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and leadership. In Nepal, one of the significant movements that foster these skills is the Students’ Quality Circle (SQC). This movement has been playing a crucial role in nurturing holistic development among students by promoting teamwork, accountability, and innovation.

What is Students’ Quality Circle (SQC)?

The concept of Quality Circles (QCs) originated in Japan in the 1960s as a way to enhance productivity and efficiency in the workplace by involving employees in problem-solving groups. Inspired by this model, the Students’ Quality Circle (SQC) was introduced in the educational context, where groups of students come together voluntarily to identify problems, analyze them, and implement solutions within their school environment. This approach was brought to Nepal by QUEST-Nepal (Quality Circles in Education for Students’ Personality Development, Nepal), an organization that has been actively promoting this concept across the country.

The Role of SQC in Developing 21st Century Skills

The SQC movement in Nepal focuses on fostering the following essential skills:

  1. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving:
    • Students participating in SQC are encouraged to identify real-world problems within their schools and communities. Through brainstorming sessions, they analyze the root causes of these issues and develop feasible solutions. This process not only enhances their critical thinking but also hones their problem-solving abilities.
  2. Collaboration and Teamwork:
    • One of the key principles of SQC is teamwork. Students work together in groups, assigning roles, sharing responsibilities, and learning to communicate effectively. This collaborative environment teaches them the importance of listening to others, respecting diverse opinions, and working towards a common goal.
  3. Communication Skills:
    • Effective communication is essential for the success of any team. SQC encourages students to present their findings and solutions through presentations, discussions, and public speaking. These activities build their confidence and improve their verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
  4. Leadership:
    • The SQC model provides students with opportunities to take on leadership roles within their circles. They learn to lead discussions, organize activities, and motivate their peers. This hands-on leadership experience is vital for their personal and professional growth.
  5. Creativity and Innovation:
    • By working on real-world problems, students are challenged to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions. This encourages a mindset of innovation and adaptability, which are essential for success in the modern world.

Implementation of SQC in Nepal

The SQC movement in Nepal has gained momentum over the years, with numerous schools adopting this model. QUEST-Nepal has been instrumental in this process, conducting training programs, workshops, and competitions to promote the concept. Schools across various regions of Nepal have formed their own SQCs, where students actively engage in identifying and solving issues related to cleanliness, discipline, learning environment, and more.

One of the significant milestones for the SQC movement in Nepal is the International Convention on Students’ Quality Circles (ICSQC), which is held annually and brings together students from different countries. During the convention, participants share their projects, ideas, and experiences, fostering a spirit of global learning and collaboration. The event highlights the best practices and innovative solutions developed by students, further motivating them to continue their efforts.

Success Stories of SQC in Nepal

Several schools in Nepal have successfully implemented the SQC model, resulting in tangible improvements in the school environment and student engagement. For example, students from a school in Kathmandu used the SQC approach to address the issue of water wastage. By identifying the root causes and developing a comprehensive awareness campaign, they were able to significantly reduce water wastage in their school. Similarly, students from Pokhara worked on improving waste management by initiating a recycling program, showcasing how small efforts can lead to significant changes.

Challenges and the Way Forward

Despite the success of the SQC movement, there are challenges that need to be addressed. One of the major challenges is the lack of awareness and resources in rural schools. Ensuring that SQC principles are accessible to students across all regions of Nepal requires more training programs, workshops, and support from educational authorities. Furthermore, continuous motivation and engagement of students are necessary to sustain the quality circles over time.

To overcome these challenges, collaboration between schools, educational organizations, and the government is essential. More schools need to be encouraged to adopt the SQC model, and teachers should be trained to facilitate these circles effectively. Additionally, integrating the SQC approach into the curriculum can make it a more structured part of the education system.

Conclusion

The Students’ Quality Circle (SQC) movement in Nepal is a powerful tool for nurturing essential 21st-century skills among students. By promoting problem-solving, teamwork, communication, leadership, and creativity, SQC prepares students for the challenges of the future. As the movement continues to grow, it has the potential to transform the education system in Nepal, making it more dynamic, student-centered, and skill-oriented. The success of this initiative lies in the collective effort of students, teachers, parents, and educational organizations to build a brighter future for the youth of Nepal.

References

  1. Chapagain, D. (2013). Students’ Quality Circle: A Practical Approach to Quality Education. Kathmandu: QUEST-Nepal.
  2. QUEST-Nepal. (2023). Quality Circles in Education for Students’ Personality Development. Retrieved from QUEST-Nepal Official Website
  3. Basnet, P. (2022). Empowering Students through Quality Circles in Nepal: A Case Study. Kathmandu: Nepal Education Review.
  4. Adhikari, R. (2021). “Fostering 21st Century Skills through Students’ Quality Circle.” Journal of Education and Development, 12(3), 45-59.
  5. Sharma, M. (2020). “The Role of Students’ Quality Circles in Enhancing Teamwork and Problem-Solving Skills.” Educational Insights Nepal, 8(2), 27-34