'Government seeking lasting policy solutions to educational problems through dialogue'
KATHMANDU: Minister for Education and Sports Sasmit Pokharel said the government is seeking long-lasting policy solutions to educational problems through dialogue and stakeholder input.
Pokharel posted on social media that since taking office, he has adopted a "listening and learning" approach to understand issues in the education sector. He said that during his first 100 days some rules and guidelines necessary for reform and good governance were prepared, and that the ministry’s current priorities include the new Education Act, the Technical Education Act and contemporary reforms in higher education.
A team led by the ministry’s chief adviser and the head of the School Education Division is conducting the "Education Dialogue" programme across all seven provinces to collect issues, suggestions and expectations from local authorities, teachers, education staff, parents, schools and students, the minister said. He added that concerns of Early Childhood Development facilitators, teachers, school management, school staff, parents and students have been prioritised in the discussions.
The minister said the suggestions received on the role of local bodies, challenges in school management and various policy matters will inform future reforms. He said stakeholders unable to attend in person can submit their input via the "Education Dialogue: Suggestions, Problems, and Expectations Collection Form", and that the ministry will include received suggestions in the policy formulation process.
The Department of Education is preparing to gather feedback on the education bill by involving local governments in all seven provinces, and an expert team revising the National Curriculum Framework has reached the final stage of its work, the ministry said.
Pokharel said he is committed to finalising the Education Bill promptly by listening to concerns, consulting experts where necessary and making decisions based on facts. For participation in the Education Dialogue programme, one can contact 9851014006.
(With inputs from RSS)
