Speaker Devraj Ghimire Emphasizes Need to Prioritize Early Education
Speaker Devraj Ghimire has stated that early childhood education should be included in the national priority sector. He shared this message while addressing the 25th anniversary celebration of the National Montessori Training Center in Kathmandu on Saturday.
He acknowledged the contribution of the private sector in Nepal's education and mentioned that the school education bill currently in parliament will recognize the role of private institutions. He remarked that the Montessori system was introduced in Nepal during the Rana period and noted that if the initiatives taken at that time had continued, Nepal’s education system would have already seen significant change.
During the event, President of the National Private and Boarding Schools Association Nepal (National PABSON), Subash Neupane, expressed concern over the delay in issuing a new education act despite a long time since the establishment of the republic. He stressed the importance of enacting the education act soon.
President of the Private and Boarding Schools Organization Nepal (PABSON), Krishna Adhikari, remarked that some Montessori institutions have been moving in the wrong direction and emphasized the need to focus on quality rather than increasing numbers. He also expressed objection to the provision in the education bill that calls for the closure of private schools operating as companies. The bill proposes that private schools should be operated under trusts instead of companies.
At the event, the founding Managing Director of the Training Center, Basanta Thapa, and Founding Director, Pavitra Limbu, shared that the establishment of the institution offering Montessori training in Nepal contributed to the growth of such educational institutions. The organization began in 2001. The Montessori system was introduced in Nepal during the tenure of Rana Prime Minister Mohan Shumsher in 2005 BS. At that time, Nepalese and Indian teachers trained in India were brought in. The institution, initially operated at the government level, was later merged with the Laboratory School under the College of Education.
