At Samaanta Foundation, we believe that education is about more than earning a livelihood. It is also about understanding society, thinking critically, and having the confidence to create positive change. We want our Fellows to become both successful professionals and also responsible citizens and future leaders.
With this vision, we launched the Civic Circle, a 12-week journey that encouraged Fellows to understand democracy, governance, human rights, and their role in society.
Through interactive discussions, documentaries, debates, and a Mock Election, Fellows explored political ideas, Nepal’s democratic journey, constitutional rights, and global issues. More importantly, they learned to think critically, ask meaningful questions, and respect diverse perspectives.
What we learned
The course was divided into four learning phases. We started by exploring the basics of democracy and political thought. Fellows discussed important questions like Why does government exist? and Why do people follow laws? Through group discussions and the documentary Please Vote for Me, they learned about the ideas of political thinkers such as Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau.
Next, Fellows explored Nepal’s political history. They learned about the country’s journey from 1951 through to the Constitution of Nepal 2015 (2072 B.S.), Nepal’s federal system, and the important work of constitutional bodies like the National Human Rights Commission and the National Women Commission.
The third phase of the Civic Circle focused on human rights, inclusion, environmental justice, and global politics. Fellows also discussed the role of organizations such as the United Nations and the International Criminal Court. They explored how media and current events influence democracy and public opinion.
Finally, Fellows applied their learning! Civic Circle members participated in Jubilee-style debates and a Mock Election, where they experienced how democracy operates in practice. They created campaign ideas, debated important issues, and experienced the responsibilities of leadership.
Here are some words from a Civic Circle participant:
“ One of the most valuable aspects of the Civic Circle program was that learning was never one-sided. Every session encouraged active participation rather than passive listening. Fellows worked in groups, gave presentations, exchanged ideas, and learned from one another’s experiences, making each session collaborative and engaging.”
“ The program also fostered a safe and inclusive learning environment where Fellows felt comfortable asking questions, expressing different viewpoints, and engaging in respectful discussions. These interactions encouraged critical thinking, strengthened communication skills, built confidence, and deepened participants’ understanding of their rights, responsibilities, and role as active citizens.”
The success of the Civic and Political Awareness (CaPA) course would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of the CaPA Core Team. The six-member Civic Circle leadership team worked tirelessly to plan, organize, and facilitate meaningful learning experiences throughout the course.
Gratitude to Samaanta and fellow
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Sneha and Nabindra staff of the Samaanta foundation, whose guidance, leadership, and continuous support played a vital role in making this learning journey meaningful and engaging. Their commitment inspired Fellows to participate actively , think critically, and to learn with confidence.
We are equally thankful to the other members of the Civil Circle, whose enthusiasm, teamwork, and countless hours of effort contributed to the success of every session. Their dedication created a welcoming and interactive environment where learning became both enjoyable and impactful.
Finally, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to Samaanta Foundation for providing us with such a wonderful platform to learn, exchange ideas, and broaden our understanding of civic and political issues.
– From the CaPA Core Team, Thank you!