Local Curriculum Launch in Kanchanpur
The local authority of Kanchanpur is spearheading an innovative educational reform. New textbooks incorporating local art, culture, and tourism are set to be published for the upcoming academic session, with a focus on introducing children to the unique aspects of their region, including its natural beauty, social constructs, historical landmarks, and religious heritage.
Amit Prasad Bhatta, the distinguished Head of the Education Branch of Belauri Municipality, announced the imminent publication of these locally-focused textbooks. They will be introduced in schools from the upcoming academic session. Despite facing some delays in the textbook publication process, the local curriculum has received approval from the federal government and is set to roll out soon.
Highlights of the Local Curriculum
- Insight into the local heritage: The books encapsulate the region's historical and religious heritage, allowing students to delve deep into the rich tapestry of their city's past and its vibrant cultural festivals.
- Tourism and cultural preservation: The local curriculum serves a dual purpose, promoting tourism development and cultural preservation. As stated by Shivraj Bhatta, Head of the Education Branch of Punarwas Municipality, the curriculum will spotlight prominent tourist attractions, sacred religious sites, and traditional festivals, from grade 1 to 8.
- Customized approach: The curriculum has been tailored to cater to different grade levels. According to Manju Thapa, Head of the Education Branch of Bedkot Municipality, while the curriculum for classes 1 and 2 is already underway, the curriculum for classes 3 to 8 is nearing completion.
Embracing Local Identity Through Education
Embracing a crucial provision in Part 3 of the Constitution of Nepal, Kanchanpur is empowering its communities to implement their own education system. The new curriculum aligns with Article 32, sub-sections (2) and (3), enabling each local level to teach subjects through a locally curated textbook in community and institutional schools.
Ramesh Pant Mitbandhu, president of the Progressive Writers' Association in Sudur Paschim Pradesh, applauds this initiative, emphasizing the importance of such textbooks in fostering a deep connection with local language, culture, art, and heritage. Students are expected to feel a heightened sense of responsibility towards their society and a stronger sense of belonging through this initiative.
Overall, Kanchanpur's drive to incorporate local knowledge into its school curriculum is a commendable initiative, signaling a promising future for its younger generations. This innovative, culturally-rich approach to education promises to create a generation rooted in their heritage, equipped with a broader worldview, and capable of contributing significantly to their society.
Kanchanpur