A vital aspect of this educational transformation lies in nurturing the inclusion of local knowledge within the curriculum for showcasing Nepal's distinctive identity
In an era marked by rapid global changes, education plays a pivotal role in shaping a nation's future.
Nepal, with its rich cultural heritage and dynamic youth population, stands at a crossroads where the transformation of its school education system becomes not just necessary but strategically imperative.
The principle of "System strengthening for global relevance" serves as the guiding framework, encompassing key methodologies or pillars. These pillars or methodologies include integrating digital literacy and technology education, preserving Nepal's cultural identity, emphasising 21st-century skills, promoting inclusion and gender equality, forming partnerships for experiential learning, and enhancing infrastructure and teacher quality. By meticulously implementing these strategies, Nepal can create an education system that balances global trends with its unique cultural identity, empowering the next generation for local and global success.
Digital literacy integration is integrating digital literacy and technology edu-cation into daily teaching practices, overhauling curricula and upskilling educators to prepare students for the digital age. Preserving cultural identity: Strengthening the teaching of Nepali culture, history and traditions within the curriculum, promoting cultural exchange programmes, and integrating local knowledge enrich the educational experience while preserving the cultural identity.
21st century skills lay emphasis on project-based learning, critical thinking, problem-solving and entrepreneurship education to foster essential skills for real-world challenges. Inclusion and gender equality is about reforming educational practices to ensure equal opportunities for all, addressing gender disparities and promoting social inclusion as the integral approach.
Partnership and experiential learning relates to collaboration with private sectors and industries, offering experiential learning through internships and exchange programmes, bridging resource gaps and preparing students for the global workforce. Assessment and infrastructures have to do with implement-ing a balanced assessment system, investing in digital infrastructure, cultivating self-directed learning environments, ensuring teacher quality through competitive salaries and professional development, and enabling policy adaptability and funding allocation.
We should embark on a journey to chart a course for the revitalisation of Nepal's school education sys-tem, harmonising it with global trends, aligning it with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and integrating it seamlessly with the overarching priorities set forth by the Nepal government. The delicate balancing act of enhancing Nepal's education system to embrace global trends while preserving its distinct cultural identity necessitates a systematic approach.
By reinforcing the teaching of culture, history and traditions, our education system can deepen itsroots, enriching the educational experience. Moreover, by championing cultural exchange programmes, festivals and activities within schools and other educational landscapes, we endeavour to not merely celebrate but also safeguard Nepal's invaluable cultural heritage.
A vital aspect of this transformation lies in nurturing the inclusion of localknowledge and traditions within the curriculum. This practice serves as a vehicle for showcasing Nepal's distinctive identity and further enriching our education system. To this end, comprehensive teacher training and professional development in global and modern pedagogical techniques become instrumental in ensuring educators can seamlessly impart both global and local knowledge.
The era of digitalisation, now an urgent necessity, beckons every teacher to incorporate 21st-centuryskills into their teaching methodologies. Critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, collaboration and creativity must be at the forefront of our educational agenda. Project-based learning and critical inquiry are the vehicles for nurturing these skills, while the introduction of entrepreneurship education inspires innovation and economic self-sufficiency, fostering a spirit of self-reliance within our nation.
Resource-related challenges can be addressed through strategic partnerships with the private sector and industries. Collaborations with local and international businesses and organisations, facilitated through internships and exchange programmes, provide students with real-world experiences and insights, preparing them for the global workforce.
Meanwhile, an equitable and scientifically grounded assessment and accountability system will ensure that we evaluate not just academic knowledge but also skills, creativity and character development. The active engagement of parents and communities in the educational process is indispensable, creating a culture of accountability and support.
Investing wisely in digital infrastructure, particularly in remote areas, is paramount to ensuring equitable access to digital resources, including computers and internet connectivity.
Teacher recruitment and retention can be achieved through competitive salaries, coupled with continuous professional development and opportunities for career advancement. Timely policy endorsements and adaptations to changing global circumstances are prerequisites to an agile and responsive education system. Adequate funding is a longstanding issue that demands resolution; allocating sufficient resources to support curriculum implementation and infrastructure development is the cornerstone of educational competitiveness.
The transformation of Nepal's school education system is a complex yet essential endeavour for the nation's progress. By aligning with global trends and local priorities, Nepal can create an education system that equips students with the skills needed for success in the 21st century while preserving its unique cultural identity.
A version of this article appears in the print on October 18, 2023, of The Himalayan Times
