A Champion for Education and Social Change: Dr. SP Kalaunee

Born in the far west region of Nepal, Dr SP Kalaunee’s life journey has been marked by diverse experiences and continuous growth. At the age of 16, before even completing his high school, he started his teaching career. The principal of a local school offered him the opportunity to teach, and he eagerly accepted, beginning with preschool children. This was to be the first step in a long and fulfilling career in education.

Over the years, Dr Kalaunee says that he has been fortunate to teach students of various academic levels. He also advanced his academic career alongside teaching becoming a school principal and an academic coordinator in a higher secondary school. He has also taught in different colleges and served as an exchange faculty in Finland and Vietnam. Most recently, he taught at an university in the United States, which he says has enriched his life perspective and teaching experience. He finds the diverse courses he did, including the doctoral degrees he received at the Eastern and the executive course at Harvard University, highly enriching.

Currently, Dr Kalaunee serves as the Country Representative of BlinkNow and Chairperson of the Association of International NGOs in Nepal (AIN). These roles allow him to contribute to social empowerment and development of education. Passionate and committed to advocating for equitable access to resources and opportunities, Dr Kalaunee has the rare ability to see that every individual has the potential to make a difference.

In this edition of Business 360, Dr Kalaunee shares the five things that have impacted his life and work.

From humble beginnings to a visionary educator

As a child, I was curious and driven to study, values instilled by my parents and family culture. Despite limited resources and accessibility, my determination to pursue education never wavered. At the age of 16, I began my teaching career at a local school, teaching preschool children. My initial teaching experience with preschoolers was just the beginning of a journey that would see me engage with students at every educational level. As I pursued my own academic goals, I simultaneously expanded my teaching repertoire. I moved from nurturing the youngest minds in primary school to guiding the more complex inquiries of middle and high school students. This progression wasn’t merely about moving up the academic ladder; it was about understanding the unique needs and potential of students at each stage of their development.

Teaching across such a wide range of educational levels has been incredibly rewarding. It has given me a comprehensive understanding of the educational journey, from the foundational stages to advanced learning. This breadth of experience has been instrumental in honing my teaching strategies and has reinforced my belief in the transformative power of education. 

Championing health and community development

While my professional journey has largely been centred around education, my involvement in health and community development has also been a significant aspect of my career. Growing up in a region with limited access to healthcare, I have always been acutely aware of the challenges faced by marginalised communities in terms of health and well-being. This awareness has driven me to work towards improving healthcare systems and addressing public health issues.

In my role with various non-profit organisations, I have had the opportunity to contribute to initiatives aimed at strengthening public healthcare. One of the most impactful projects I have been involved in was developing a public-private partnership model for healthcare delivery in the far west of Nepal. By collaborating with both governmental and non-governmental sectors, we were able to enhance the management and quality of care in public hospitals, making healthcare more accessible and effective for the local population.

This experience underscored the importance of innovative solutions and collaborative efforts in addressing health disparities. It was immensely gratifying to see tangible improvements in the health status of the communities we served and to know that our work was contributing to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal related to health and wellbeing.

“The ability to influence and shape programmes that bring about meaningful change is both a privilege and a responsibility. Through BlinkNow, I am dedicated to continuing our efforts to uplift and transform the lives of vulnerable communities in Nepal.”

Leadership in social empowerment

As the Country Representative for BlinkNow, I am dedicated to empowering vulnerable communities throughout Nepal. My role involves overseeing various programmes aimed at providing comprehensive support to marginalised children and their families. At BlinkNow, we focus on ensuring that these communities have access to essential resources such as education, healthcare and opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.

Our initiatives at BlinkNow are designed to create lasting, positive change. By addressing both immediate needs and long-term goals, we work to break the cycle of poverty and provide families with the tools they need to build better futures. Our commitment to sustainable livelihoods involves supporting community development projects that foster economic self-reliance. This includes providing vocational training and resources to help individuals start small businesses or gain employment. By empowering families to become self-sufficient, we aim to create a more resilient and prosperous community.

Leading BlinkNow has been a profoundly fulfilling experience, allowing me to witness firsthand the positive impact of our work. The ability to influence and shape programmes that bring about meaningful change is both a privilege and a responsibility. Through BlinkNow, I am dedicated to continuing our efforts to uplift and transform the lives of vulnerable communities in Nepal.

Inspiration can be derived from multiple facets

Throughout my career, the source of my inspiration has not been tied to a single individual or idol. Instead, my drive has stemmed from a wide range of experiences and interactions with people from diverse backgrounds. Each person I have encountered has contributed to my understanding of the world and my approach to leadership. These experiences have often come from observing actions, receiving guidance or reflecting on personal feedback. The real impact of these interactions has been in how they have shaped my beliefs and actions, reinforcing the value of learning from both positive and challenging experiences.

One of the most valuable pieces of advice I have received is the importance of letting go. This advice, though seemingly simple, has profound implications. Holding onto past grievances or disappointments can obstruct progress and hinder personal and professional growth. Learning to let go allows one to focus on the present and future, fostering resilience and maintaining a clear path toward achieving goals. Although mastering this skill is a continuous journey, it has been crucial in managing the complexities of leadership and personal development.

Incorporating these insights into my leadership at BlinkNow, I strive to balance personal growth with the pursuit of our organisational goals. Embracing inspiration from various sources and practicing the art of letting go have helped me lead with a sense of purpose and clarity, driving our mission to empower and uplift vulnerable communities.

Lifelong commitment to social change

Throughout my career, whether in education, healthcare or community development, my underlying motivation has been to drive social change and improve the lives of those in need. I have learned that impactful change requires not only vision and dedication but also collaboration and empathy. By listening to and understanding the needs of the communities we serve, we can develop more effective and sustainable solutions.

As I continue this journey, I remain committed to advocating for equitable access to resources and opportunities. My experiences have taught me that every individual has the potential to make a difference, and together, we can create a more inclusive and just
society.