Minister for Education, Science, and Technology Devendra Poudel has said that all levels and structures of education are being revived to transform Nepali society on the basis of social justice, peace, prosperity, equality, and human rights.
Addressing the second conference of Asia-Pacific Ministers of Education organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and the Thai government in Bangkok, Minister Poudel stressed the need to restructure the existing thinking on all education structures as well as materials and services.
He said that good governance, parental education, community participation, diversification in service delivery, use of technology, and capacity building of teachers should be done by updating the existing laws, policies, and curricula in a timely manner.
Stating that there is a common need for structural restructuring, rejuvenation, and renewed thinking in the education sector in the Asia-Pacific, Minister Poudel informed that the Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2075 and the National Education Policy, 2076 have been formulated to fulfill the educational rights and educational goals included in the UN Sustainable Development Goals. He said that it was necessary to be prepared to make the education sector effective in the future from health epidemics like Covid-19.
Stating that the constitution of Nepal addresses education from the point of view of rights, he clarified that the government is committed to providing free education to the needy and persons with disabilities.
Minister Poudel informed that the government is going to start the School Education Sector Reform Program (ESP, 2022-2030) next month. Stating that the participation of education ministers and high officials of the countries concerned in the conference has shown the importance given to education in the region, Minister Poudel expressed confidence that the conference would be able to chart a roadmap for education reform.
