Apropos of the news stories “Integrate ICT into education system” (THT, November 9, Page 2), “Call for integrating ICT into classroom” (THT, November 11, Page 2), and editorial “Use of ICT” (THT, November 10, Page 8), adoption of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in all aspects of education sectors has become fundamental to the way that children learn and communicate every day. Since child-friendly classroom settings, user-friendly technology, resourceful materials and students’ optimal participation are always imperative when it comes to redoubling learning outcomes, the use of ICTs, like radios, televisions, computers, cell phones, projectors, and internet, has much to offer to bolster quality education.

Whilst it is good to learn that the importance of information and communications technology in education is beginning to be realized in Nepal in recent times, the country has still a long way to go to revamp its education system to effectively integrate ICTs in classrooms. We must be well aware of the fact that there are myriads of challenges that pose constraints on the deployment of these technologies as teaching/learning tools. For instance, digital divide not only among the students of remote village but also students, reluctance on the part of school administration and parents fearing kids’ safety and other causes, lack of professional skill among teachers, sorry state of infrastructure and traditional classroom settings, and poor connectivity are some of the major barriers among others.

Som Nath Ghimire, Kawasoti

Bio-diversity

South and South East Asia represent one of the most biodiverse regions of the planet with tremendous biodiversity seen nowhere else in the world. Each country located in this vast area has varied agro-climatic zones representing unique terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, mesmerizing landscapes, majestic virgin forests, spectacular wildlife, and unimaginably rich biodiversity. The region is home to five mega-biodiverse nations of the world; namely China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. If Papua and New Guinea is also included; it is indeed one of the most spectacularly biodiverse part of the globe. The region is also characterized by rich ethnic and socio-cultural diversity, explosive growth of human populations, struggling economy, ethnic conflicts, poverty and political destabilization in different pockets.

As a consequence it has been a flash point of regional disturbances that has impacted relations between adjoining nations. The massive illegal wildlife markets with several million dollar turnover per year in parts of Southern China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Indonesia and other areas is a serious threat to conservation of endangered wildlife and fragile forest ecosystems across South and South East Asia.

Saikat Kumar Basu, Canada