i-Lab Roshi

Overview

Demographics of Shree Roshi Secondary School

iLab at Shree Roshi Secondary School

The i-Lab (Innovation Lab) pilot was implemented at Shree Roshi Secondary School, Roshi Municipality, to demonstrate how experiential, inclusive, and locally grounded learning can strengthen education outcomes in a community school context. The project established a school-based i-Lab makerspace and delivered a five-day Innovation Accelerator Program (IAP) for 30 students from Grades 7–9. Students worked in five teams across the themes of Education, Environment, Health and Sanitation, Tourism, and Agriculture.

The i-Lab model is designed as a direct response to systemic challenges. It shifts learning from rote memorization to hands-on making, and from copying to creating. By establishing a school-based makerspace, delivering a structured Innovation Accelerator Program grounded in design thinking and applied engineering, and providing post-program teacher support, the i-Lab embeds continuous innovation cycles within everyday school practice rather than one-time activities.

The pilot aligns closely with the School Education Sector Plan (2022–2032) by operationalizing its priorities at the school level. Specifically, it contributes to improved classroom practice, expanded experiential and project-based learning, strengthened inclusion and equity, and clearer linkages between education, skills, and employability.

Innovation Accelerator Program

iLab Maker-space Setup

An i-Lab makerspace was established within the school using available space and adaptable infrastructure. The makerspace was equipped with essential tools, materials, and low-cost resources to support hands-on experimentation, collaboration, and safe prototyping. A detailed list of tools and materials provided for the i-Lab ensured transparency and replicability of the setup.

Student Enterprise Groups

The five student teams worked under the thematic areas of Education, Environment, Health and Sanitation, Tourism, and Agriculture. Each team developed a student-led enterprise grounded in locally identified challenges within these themes.

Tourism1. SNAP Nepal

Main problem

Despite Nepal being rich in tourist destinations, many people—especially students—lack awareness and understanding of these places. Tourism-related knowledge is often taught in a boring, purely informational way.

Solution

An interactive educational card game designed to increase awareness of Nepal’s major tourist destinations. Features cards with images and brief descriptions which players must correctly match during gameplay.

Key features

Turns learning into play to help students remember locations
Builds curiosity about Nepal’s tourism potential
Low-cost, scalable solution using easily available local resources

Health and Sanitation2. Jyaba Mask

Main problem

Roshi is highly prone to dust pollution from road excavation and landslides. However, regular use of surgical masks is limited due to cost, lack of reusability, and being perceived as unfashionable.

Solution

A reusable, sanitary face mask designed using local Tamang dress fabric. The name “Jyaba,” meaning “looking good” in Tamang, reinforces that health protection can be both functional and fashionable.

Key features

Combines health protection with cultural identity and fashion appeal
Encourages regular use by making masks visually attractive
Creates economic opportunities for local textile SMEs

Education3. Jenglish Jenga

Main problem

Many students struggle to communicate confidently in English. The language is largely taught as an academic subject focused on examinations rather than as a practical, spoken language.

Solution

An interactive learning game using custom-designed Jenga blocks printed with conversation starters and response prompts. Each successful move requires players to ask and answer questions in English.

Key features

Transforms English practice into a fun, low-pressure activity
Encourages repeated speaking practice and builds confidence
Shifts English learning from memorization to meaningful communication

Environment4. Roshi Waste Recycle

Main problem

School surroundings are heavily polluted with plastic waste. In many cases, collected waste is burned in open pits, contributing to increased air pollution and significant health risks.

Solution

Introduces a “Waste Muda” (waste chair) made entirely from locally collected materials. The chair uses PET bottles tightly packed with waste paper and plastics, stabilized with sand and plywood.

Key features

Converts everyday waste into functional school furniture
Reduces open burning and promotes recycling awareness
Uses cushioning created from plastic wrappers and discarded woolen clothes

Agriculture5. AgriSpray Rake

Main problem

Farmers manually separate clumps of soil and waste by hand, which is labor-intensive. Additionally, reliance on chemical fertilizers increases costs and poses environmental risks.

Solution

Developed a dual-purpose innovation: a low-cost Nail Broom for efficient soil preparation and “AgriSpray”—a natural fertilizer/insecticide made from the locally invasive Banmara plant.

Key features