KATHMANDU: Scott Urbom, Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Kathmandu, today paid a courtesy call on Minister for Education and Sports, Sasmit Pokharel.
During the meeting held at the Ministry in Singha Durbar, the two discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral relations, advance the shared interests and enhance multidimensional collaboration in the years to come. They also recalled the long-standing Nepal-US diplomatic ties.
Similarly, discussions were also held on enhancing the effectiveness of US support for Nepal’s education sector. They also explored potential collaboration in the development of technical and vocational education, promotion of skill-based education, and cooperation in the sports sector in Nepal.
The US remains a long-standing cooperation partner in Nepal’s education sector. Through USAID, it primarily supports Nepal’s early-grade reading and learning programmes, as well as college of education’ initiatives.
During the meeting, the Minister said the Nepal-US relations which are historic and based on friendship and trust will further strengthen in the days to come.
“Nepal and the US share common values of democracy, human rights, and freedom. The Nepal-US diplomatic relations has significantly evolved over the years and it has led us to mature and responsive democratic system in the country,” the Minister said.
The Minister also informed the US representative that greater emphasis has been placed on the inclusion of sports in the revised National Curriculum Framework.
Apprising the Urbom of various reformative initiatives undertaken by the incumbent areas in the area of education, the Minister said revising the National Curriculum Format for school education is currently underway. He added that the government is prioritising a more practical and skill-oriented curriculum over a predominantly theoretical one.
He also informed the US representative that an emphasis has been placed on the inclusion of sports in such revision.
Minister Pokharel said that works are at progress to assess the physical infrastructure of and based on that, budget will be allocated to schools in the coming days as per their requirement.
He also expressed his commitment to delivering with priority in the areas of physical infrastructure, educational facilities and teacher training among others.
The Education Minister expected US cooperation in safe school infrastructure, digital and smart learning, professional capacity enhancement of teachers, and school health and nutrition programmes.
The ambassador said his government is always positive for promoting Nepal’s education and sports sectors through the bilateral partnership.
Stating that the US has taken note of the various programmes of reforms initiated by the Government of Nepal and the Ministry of Education and Sports, he said the US remains committed to supporting and cooperating in such initiatives. He also expressed confidence that the US government would continue to support the Nepal Government’s to reform public school education system. (RSS)
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