Sharareh Bajracharya

Sharareh Bajracharya is a Nepali artist and educator who has made significant contributions to arts education in Nepal. Here are key points about her work and impact:
Background and Education
Holds a Ph.D. in education, culture, and society from Penn GSE (Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania)
Earned a BFA in studio and arts education from Kathmandu University in 2011
Artistic and Educational Focus
Co-founder and chair of Srijanalaya, a non-governmental organization in Kathmandu
Uses art to empower students in underfunded and rural schools in Nepal
Integrates various art forms, including visual arts, performing arts, and language arts
Emphasizes the importance of indigenous dance, music, and mother tongue languages in education
Notable Initiatives
Art-in-School program: Integrates creative arts into formal education, working with administrators and teachers
ArtWorks! Let's Play Together: Initiated after the 2015 Nepal earthquake to provide psychosocial support through arts
Organizes poetry competitions in local languages to affirm students' cultural identities
Impact and Philosophy
Aims to bridge the gap between home and school learning for Nepali children
Focuses on empowering students to express their cultures and identities through art
Challenges traditional education systems by incorporating diverse cultural perspectives
Advocates for the use of art as a tool for questioning and understanding the world
Bajracharya's work is particularly significant in Nepal's context, where she addresses issues of cultural diversity, social stratification, and educational access through innovative arts-based approaches.