Excitement is mounting within Kathmandu’s education community as the 7th District Convention of HISSAN Kathmandu is set to take place on 8th Falgun 2082 at The Malla Hotel. While the gathering marks a scheduled leadership transition, it also represents a historic organizational milestone. Outgoing President Jessica Chemjong has achieved what many considered unlikely—conducting the convention ahead of every other district committee nationwide, setting a new benchmark in HISSAN’s history.

As the Founder Principal of New Arunodaya English Secondary School, Mrs. Chemjong has left a lasting imprint on the academic landscape. The first woman to lead this influential district committee, her tenure has been guided by a philosophy of “deeds over words,” marked by impactful initiatives that strengthened and revitalized the organization at the grassroots level.

In the run-up to the convention, College Readers engaged Mrs. Chemjong in a reflective conversation on her leadership journey, the evolving dynamics of modern education, and the future direction of Nepal’s private education sector.

College Readers: The 7th District Convention is being heralded as a model of organizational timing. Can the members expect a unanimous transition of leadership?

Jessica Chemjong: Organizing a convention of this scale requires more than just logistics; it requires emotional and professional alignment. We prioritized this early because we wanted to set a standard for the rest of the country. Regarding the leadership, there is no anticipation of conflict. Our team has spent months in deliberation to ensure a harmonious atmosphere.

We have institutionalized a culture of respect where the efforts of every member are acknowledged. In HISSAN Kathmandu, we have a healthy tradition of a succession plan. Our current Senior Vice President has worked alongside me throughout this journey, and it is the natural, logical progression for him to assume the presidency. By moving toward a consensus leadership, we demonstrate to the government and the public that the private education sector is unified and stable.

College Readers: Leadership transitions in the past have often been fraught with challenges. How can you be so certain that those old issues won't resurface?

Jessica Chemjong: History provides lessons, not just patterns. When I assumed the presidency, the circumstances were indeed complex and the environment was charged with various internal pressures. However, we have spent the last 25 months fostering transparency. By involving local municipality committees in the decision-making process, we have decentralized power. This makes the election process a shared celebration of our collective growth rather than a battle for a seat.

College Readers: Two years ago, at the Ambassador Hotel, you presented a manifesto filled with ambitious promises. As you prepare to step down, how does your record stand against those pledges?

Jessica Chemjong: A manifesto is a vision, but leadership is about execution. During my tenure of approximately 25 months, we didn't just meet our pledges—we exceeded them. We focused on "tangible work." Whether it was increasing student engagement through mega-quizzes or strengthening our legal standing with local municipalities, we have delivered.

One of my primary goals was to revitalize the "team spirit" within the district. No president can work in a vacuum. By empowering my vice presidents and department heads, we were able to run multiple high-level programs simultaneously. I am leaving with the satisfaction that the foundation is significantly stronger than I found it.

College Readers: HISSAN was traditionally seen as a "+2 School/College." However, the landscape has changed. How has your leadership addressed the broadening of HISSAN’s mandate?

Jessica Chemjong: This is a crucial point. While HISSAN was birthed from the +2 college movement, our legislation now covers education from Grade 9 to the Master’s level. The Local Government Operation Act and the Constitution of 2072 have shifted the monitoring of secondary education to the local level.

Under my leadership, we realized that we couldn't just stay in the "center." We formed robust joint committees of municipalities like- Kageshwori Manohara, Gokarneshwor, and Shankharapur Municipal Committee; Nagarjuna, Kirtipur, Chandragiri Municipal Committee; Tarakeswor, Tokha and Budhanilkantha Municipal Committees, and Kathmandu Metropolitan Committee. We reached out to secondary schools across the valley to ensure they felt represented by HISSAN. The challenge for the next president will be to continue this "local-first" approach, ensuring that our members aren't just names on a list, but active participants in local educational policy.

College Readers: Your tenure is being described as "praiseworthy." If you had to select the most significant milestones, what would they be?

Jessica Chemjong: It has been a whirlwind of activity. In terms of strengthening the organization, the successful execution of conventions in HISSAN Kageshwori Manohara, Gokarneshwor, and Shankharapur Municipal Committee, HISSAN Tokha Municipality, HISSAN Tarakeshwor Municipality, HISSAN Chandragiri, Nagarjun, and Kirtipur municipalities, and HISSAN Kathmandu Metropolitan City stands out. These weren't just meetings; they were energy-infusion sessions that strengthened our grassroots.

In the realm of Sports, we believe that education must be holistic. We launched the Inaugural First President’s Cup Basketball Tournament and the Founder’s Badminton Tournament. The latter was particularly special because it brought founders, principals, directors and leaders together in a spirit of healthy competition, promoted through a high-profile press conference at the Reporter’s Club.

Furthermore, our Mega Quiz Events for +2 Science and Management, conducted in collaboration with College Readers for two consecutive years, have become the gold standard for academic competition in the district and nation. We also didn't shy away from social responsibility, organizing a marathon on World Environment Day to promote sustainability.

To foster a sense of shared ownership and engagement within HISSAN, I have introduced the 'Letter of Institutional Appreciation' to be awarded at the district convention.

College Readers: You've mentioned the "Joint Educational Movement of 2082." How has HISSAN Kathmandu influenced national policy during your term?

Jessica Chemjong: We have been at the forefront of advocacy. Whether it was the Joint Protest Movement or delegations to the Ministry, HISSAN Kathmandu has been the "engine room" of these initiatives. We worked closely with the Metropolitan City to align our examination policies and ensure academic rigor.

However, the biggest challenge remains the "Brain Drain." The trend of students leaving Nepal for higher education is a national crisis that creates a massive financial and intellectual deficit. During my tenure, I pushed for more research into how we can make domestic education more attractive. We need a national strategy, and HISSAN must lead that conversation.

College Readers: You have decided not to extend your tenure. What qualities must the next president possess to lead HISSAN Kathmandu into the next era?

Jessica Chemjong: I believe in the power of fresh perspective. Every member of our committee has the potential for leadership; it is a skill honed through practice. The next president must possess exceptional time and fund management skills. But beyond that, they must be a "competitor"—they should look at my tenure and say, "I will do better."

They must be prepared for the skepticism that often follows private education. In parliament, there are voices calling for private institutes to be forcefully transitioned into trusts. The next leader must be a sophisticated communicator who can explain the value of the private sector to legislators and the public alike.

College Readers: What is your final message to the delegates attending the district convention of HISSAN Kathmandu?

Jessica Chemjong: My message is one of unity and trust. We are the backbone of Nepal’s human capital. We provide quality, we provide employment, and we provide hope. As you gather for the 7th Convention, do so with pride. Let us continue to earn the trust of the people through our actions, not just our advertisements. The private sector is here to stay, and together, we will continue to shape the future of Nepal. Importantly we should be discipline to maintain our academic professional career.