Kathmandu, June 11

The US Embassy in Kathmandu has launched a new series of inter-cultural communication and leadership trainings at Birendra Peace Operations Training Centre and the National Police Academy.

The training programmes aim to help the current and new batch of Nepali peacekeepers to acquire necessary English language skills, cultural competence and conflict-resolution abilities needed to succeed in their global deployments. The training represents the next step in over 15 years of US Government engagement, in which more than 1,000 Nepali peacekeepers receive such training each year, according to a statement issued by the embassy today.

During the opening ceremony, US Defenxe Attaché Lieutenant Colonel Gregory Pipes emphasised the importance of the training for professional development of Nepali Army trainers.

“As an official language of the UN, it is important that Nepali peacekeepers sharpen and expand their English language skills in order to foster greater collaboration when deployed in the field. The training will also deepen their understanding of cultural norms in Middle Eastern and African countries where Nepali peacekeepers are currently deployed.” Twenty-five Nepali Army trainers will receive the training in the month of June, followed by an additional two weeks of training for 70 Nepal Police members in Kathmandu.

The trainings are sponsored by the US Embassy’s Regional English Language Office and will be led by an American English Language specialist.