Proposal to collaborate with Finland for school education reform

KATHMANDU: The government has proposed collaboration with the Government of Finland to improve school education in Nepal.

The proposal was put forward during a courtesy meeting between Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Sasmit Pokharel, and Finland’s Ambassador to Nepal, Petri Puhakka, held at the ministry on Thursday.

Minister Pokharel said that Finland’s education system is regarded as one of the highest quality in the world, and expressed Nepal’s interest in strengthening cooperation in the sector. She also noted that Nepal and Finland have long enjoyed cordial relations, and thanked the Finnish government for its continued support to Nepal’s development efforts.

Pokharel, who also serves as the government spokesperson, briefed the ambassador on the government’s priorities and upcoming programs, appreciating Finland’s ongoing assistance in the education sector. She expressed hope for continued cooperation in education and other areas in the future.

According to the ministry, discussions during the meeting also covered bilateral relations, mobilization of development assistance, and expansion of partnership in education.

Ambassador Puhakka reaffirmed Finland’s commitment to continue its support to Nepal’s education sector over the next five years.

With Finland’s support, programs such as the School Education Sector Program and the Teachers’ Education Project are currently in operation in Nepal. Referring to the government’s policy to establish autism schools, the ambassador said Finland has expertise in autism and inclusive education and is willing to support such initiatives.

He also expressed interest in partnering in Nepal’s digital transformation agenda, citing Finland’s technical expertise in the field.