Workshop on Dharahara Tower, Female External Reproductive Organ, Photosynthesis, and DNA Double Helix at Laboratory Secondary School - 2025

On 17th December 2025, Chain For Change (CFC) conducted a workshop on inclusive and accessible educational models at Laboratory Secondary School, Kirtipur, Kathmandu. The workshop was led by Intern Design Instructor (2025/26) Ms. Inés Martínez Gabarda, along with project members from the Physics Department, Resource Management and Liaison Officer Ms. Romee Jijicha Sunuwar, and executive members of CFC, Mr. Abhishek Shahi and Ms. Deepika Shahi.

The workshop introduced various educational models, including the Dharahara Tower, Female External Reproductive Organ, Photosynthesis, and DNA Double Helix. These models were designed and developed by the Intern Design Instructor (2025/26) and produced using both FDM and resin 3D printers.

Students with visual disabilities from Grades 8 and 9 participated in the session and were divided into three groups. The Grade 9 group learned about the DNA Double Helix model, facilitated by Ms. Romee Jijicha Sunuwar, who has an academic background in BSc Microbiology. The Grade 8 students were guided through the Female External Reproductive Organ model by Research and Quality Assurance Assistant Ms. Shubhangi Acharya. The third group explored the Photosynthesis model under the joint facilitation of Ms. Inés Martínez Gabarda and Project Member Mr. Rajarshi Adhikari.

During the sessions, students explored the models through touch, scanned QR codes using the CFC app, and listened to audio descriptions. They actively shared their feedback, which will be used to further improve the design and usability of the models.

In the second round of the workshop, students worked in groups to explore the Dharahara Tower model. They collaboratively assembled the model, felt its structure, scanned the QR code using the CFC app, and listened to the audio description. After the activity, students shared their experiences and provided valuable feedback.

This workshop was conducted under Project Wings to Dreams: 3D for Accessibility, an initiative by Chain For Change in collaboration with Expedición Solidaria, Universitat Politècnica de València (Spain), and St. Xavier's College, Maitighar, Kathmandu. The project aims to address graphical learning challenges faced by persons with visual disabilities by using 3D and tactile technologies in both academic and daily life contexts.