Knocking down the ‘Iron Gate’ is not easy. Years in the pipeline, the last few months of the process can be incredibly stressful. So, at the end of it, three months of holidays is not only well deserved but also enough time for students to rejuvenate before they join high school. In this time, they can pick up some fun activities that help them explore their interests and in their overall growth. If you’re wondering what you can do with your time, fret not. We list some fun activities just for you.
LEARNING MUSIC
One engaging hobby most students pick up during this time is music. They can take up an instrument and learn to play their favorite songs and learn music theory. The music schools listed below may be worth exploring.
1) Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory (KJC)
Location: Jhamsikhel, Contact: 01-5543554
KJC makes you spoilt for choice. Students can pick between vocals, bass, piano, drums and guitar. A popular school for aspiring musicians, KJC also offers elementary, middle and higher diplomas. Admission for elementary two-year diploma opens coming August. Students get a 30 percent discount if they enroll for lessons between 10 am and 12 pm, Monday to Friday.
2) Nepal Music Center
Location: Karuna Marg, Sinamangal, Contact: 01-4465463
Run by a guthi, Nepal Music Center offers lessons in guitars, keyboard and western vocals. Enrollment cost is Rs 500 and monthly lessons, Rs 2,000 (for eight lessons a month). You will be required to keep Rs 3,000 in refundable security deposit with the center.
3) Sushila Arts Academy
Location: Jana Marg, Maharajgunj, Contact: 01-4015643
Sushila Arts Academy offers a variety of courses in performance arts, including on piano, guitar and violin. The basic course (Rs 4,500) is of six months, but we recommend a diploma of two or three years. In addition, the academy offers lessons on kathak, bharatnatyam, freestyle, flamenco, hip hop and contemporary dance forms.
PICKING UP A NEW LANGUAGE
Learning a new language is difficult when you’re inundated with schoolwork. So the break is a great time to acquire a new vernacular.
1) ALTA VISTA, A school of Spanish Language
Location: Putalisadak, Contact: 01-4010529
The basic one-month, 30-hour course costs Rs 8,000, with Rs 1,000 in discount for SEE graduates. The instructor is a native of Spain and teaches in English. You get a certificate after the completion of 30 hours. Students nearing their high school graduation and applying abroad may also enroll.
2) GOETHE-Zentrum Kathmandu
Location: Thapathali, Contact: 01-4250871
This institute of German language offers new sessions every August. A student can choose between normal and intensive courses, which are of two months and four months respectively. Normal course costs Rs 12,000 while the price for intensive course is Rs 14,000.
3) Nepal Japanese Language School
Location: Puspalal Path, Contact: 01-4365555
Love anime? Students interested in Japanese language can enroll here. The school’s introductory course (N5 level) spans over six months long and costs Rs 2,000 a month along with a one-time registration charge of Rs 500. Students can opt for more advanced level courses later if they plan to go to Japan for higher education.
SHAPING UP
Most teenagers take an interest in fitness during this holiday. A healthy approach to improving and maintaining a good physique can yield many benefits. While heavy lifting is not recommended at 15 or 16, having an instructor teach you cardio and basic workouts can come handy.
1) The Physique Workshop
Location: Kumaripati/ Maharajgunj/ Maitidevi, Contact: 01-5521190
TPW offers gym and cardio facilities in packages ranging from 1 month, 3 months, 6 months to 1 year. There are a variety of equipment for weight training. The one-month basic package costs Rs 3,000, which goes up to Rs 25,000 for a year. Your admission fee of Rs 500 may be waived off in case of referrals or group-attendance.
2) RAGE fitness
Location: Sama Marga, Naxal, Contact: 01-4411288
Or why don’t you join RAGE fitness, a popular space for Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) training? RAGE offers training for MMA, Boxing, Cardio Kickboxing, Zumba, BodyAttack, TRX, Aerobics, and a fully equipped gym. Among the younger age group, boxing is said to be the most popular choice. The option costs Rs 3,500 a month, with sessions taking place four times a week.
3) Banu’s Total Fitness
Location: Kamalpokhari, 01- 4434830
Another popular gym, Banu’s Total Fitness, offers services such as boxing and weight-training. The monthly gym membership costs Rs 4,520 and monthly boxing membership costs Rs 4,500. An instructor is always present to guide you. Unlike most other gyms, Banu’s is open even on Saturday mornings.
WORKING THE LENS
With Instagram feeds becoming more aesthetic and YouTube gaining popularity, learning how to operate a camera can give you an edge, in just about anything you do.
1) National School of Photography
Location: Chabahil, Contact: 01-4488616
This is the place to be if you want to nurture your inner photographer. The National School of Photography offers a wide range of courses in photography, photo and video editing, and videography. Yes, SEE graduates get special discounts. The cost for a month-long basic level course is Rs 10,500 whereas a higher level three-month ‘Foundation’ course costs Rs 35,000, after which students have the option of internship. The school provides certificates for all students who complete the program.
2) Nepal Photography Training Institute
Location: Kamaladi, Contact: 01-4216291
For beginners, the training institute has courses on photography, photo editing, videography and video editing. The 21-day photography course costs Rs 7,000; the photo editing course is priced at Rs 4,000. Likewise, the month-long videography course costs Rs 15,000; the video editing course is priced at Rs 10,000. After the completion of basic courses, students have the option of pursuing advanced courses.
3) School Of Creative Communications
Location: Kupondol, Contact: 984-1242307
The courses offered here are tailored to people of diverse interests. SEE graduates and +2 students can enroll in the courses here regardless of their chosen stream. The 30-hour, 15-day photography and photo-editing course costs Rs 5,500. Admissions open the first week of every English month. The school also offers need-based scholarships. There is a creative writing course, too, if you are interested.
