Education Watch Group (EWG) in collaboration with Loo Niva conducted an "Interaction on Inclusive Education and Bagmati Province Educational Policy Draft" on November 24, 2023. This pivotal event, hosted in Bagmati Province, saw the active participation of diverse stakeholders, including representatives from NGOs, INGOs, teachers, educational experts, and child club members, setting the stage for an insightful exchange of ideas. The guests invited for the event: chief guests; Honorable Meena Parajuli, from the Social Development Ministry of Bagmati Province, including Province Senator Mr. Prem Bhakta Maharjan, Chairperson of Konjyosom Rural Municipality Mr. Krishna Man Lama, and the Chairperson of the National Action and Coordinating Group (NACG) Mr. Kiran Thapa.
The primary focus was on the draft of the Education Policy 2077, prepared by Bagmati Province, Ministry of Social Development, aiming to address critical educational challenges and propose solutions. Comprehensive presentations by Mr. Khubi Ram Adhikari and Dr. Basudev Kafle offered an overview of the draft policy, emphasizing its connections to provincial, central, and international contexts.
The event facilitated dynamic discussions on key issues such as inclusion, disparities, teacher qualifications, and the unique needs of children with disabilities. After the discussion on inclusive education and the Bagmati Province Educational Draft, Disability Expert Dr. Birendra Raj Pokhrel challenged the prevailing notion of labeling disability education as special education, emphasizing its role in perpetuating disparity. Advocating for the rights of children with disabilities to live and learn within their families and communities, he stressed early streaming and personalized interventions. Proposing a holistic approach, Mr. Pokhrel envisioned the policy as a foundational document supporting federal educational policies, incorporating child-friendly spaces for those with disabilities. Dalit rights activist Chakraman Bishokarma called for province policies aligned with the constitution to eradicate prejudice in the education system, especially in higher education. Rupa Munakarmi highlighted issues faced by girls in Bagmati Province, emphasizing the need for interventions to address child marriage, dropout rates, and mental health. Concluding remarks showcased a commitment to inclusivity, with assurances from Khubi Ram Adhikari regarding linguistic aspects and plans to make 746 schools inclusive. Basu Dev Kafle emphasized the importance of functional and structural inclusion, signaling a dedication to addressing diverse challenges within the educational policy framework.
The commitment to inclusivity was a common thread, with presenters and stakeholders expressing a strong dedication to addressing various dimensions and challenges within the educational policy framework. The event concluded with remarks emphasizing collaboration between government bodies and non-governmental organizations, underscoring the collective vision for inclusive education in Bagmati Province. This interaction signifies a pivotal moment in the region's pursuit of inclusive education, providing a platform for open dialogue, proposing solutions, and contributing valuable perspectives to shape a comprehensive Education Policy 2077 and foster an inclusive educational future in Bagmati Province.