Nepal’s transition to a federal system has entrusted the responsibility of coordinating, implementing, and supervising educational initiatives at the local level to local government entities. However, the realization of the federal model is complicated by both process and context.
While the allocation of responsibilities among the various levels of government has sometimes presented challenges in terms of coordination at the local level, to be relevant, local education planning requires an inclusive and comprehensive approach to ensure equitable access to quality education.
“Politically, we’ve shifted to federalism, yet the smooth transition of administration to the local level is still entangled in the complexities of federal governance.”
-Mr. Birendra Magar, Mayor, Rautamai Rural Municipality, Udayapur
Further, new challenges emerge with the digital age. While internet and social media have increased opportunities for access, they can also expose to mis/disinformation and hate speech, factors that influence their behavior both within educational institutions and their communities.
“58% of children in the 8-12 age group are exposed to cyber risks, such as cyberbullying, hate speech, and online sexual abuse. However, they often lack the skills to fact-check or critically analyze information acquired through digital media. This creates fertile ground for the propagation of mis/disinformation.
Thus, the need to integrate MIL into our education plans is evident as they help our children to become responsible consumers of content and potential content creators in the future.”
-Ms. Sunita Dangol, Deputy Mayor, Kathmandu Metropolitan City
A comprehensive response to enhance local governance
UNESCO Nepal brought together Mayors, Deputy Mayors, and Education Planners from eight local government bodies for a three-day consultative workshop 4-6 October 2023 to enhance local governments’ capacity in formulating inclusive Local Education Plans. The workshop also focused on integrating Media and Information Literacy (MIL) in education considering the rapidly evolving media and information landscape in Nepal.
Representatives from Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Rautamai Rural Municipality, Sahidnagar Municipality, Raksirang Rural Municipality, Dharche Rural Municipality, Bansghadi Municipality, Chandanath Municipality, and Mahakali Municipality shared their experiences and insights on their Local Education Plan developed through technical support from UNESCO.
Enhanced Capacities and Collaboration
Local government representatives and education planners enhanced their capacities, skills, and networks to formulate Local Education Plans and implement them through collaborative engagement with teachers, parents, and community stakeholders.
“Raksirang Rural Municipality, being one of the most rural areas in Makwanpur, has been lagging in the Human Development Index, particularly education. With the insights gained from this workshop, we are empowered to formulate and implement a comprehensive 10-year education plan that could uplift education in our municipality.”
Empowered MIL Strategies
Participants acquired MIL skills and competencies to integrate MIL in their education plans that would help equip students with the essential skills needed to critically engage with media and information in this digital age.
“We realized that we have been using digital media with limited knowledge. The sessions on mis/disinformation, hate speech, MIL competencies, and effective pedagogies in teaching and learning MIL has provided us with valuable insights. We now comprehend how MIL can effectively tackle the challenges encountered by school students.
These perspectives will enable us to incorporate essential MIL components into our local education plan.”
-Mr. Khadka Bahadur Khadka, Mayor, Bansgadi Municipality, Bardiya
Improved capacities and a collaborative network among local governments will help to advocate for the inclusion of MIL in broader education policies and strategies at regional or national level.
Commitment to Inclusive Education
Mayors and Deputy Mayors signed a declaration demonstrating their commitment to finalize MIL-friendly and inclusive Local Education Plans and their effective implementation.
“It takes one full day to reach from one ward to another in my municipality. We certainly confront challenges. However, these challenges should not hinder our determination.
This declaration reflects our efforts to enhance education in our community despite all the challenges and we will uphold these commitments by collaborating closely with our stakeholders.”
-Ms. Sunila Gurung, Deputy Mayor, Dharche Municipality, Gorkha
Challenges still exist
While the workshop helped to promote comprehensive education plans that includes MIL strategies to ensure a safe and inclusive learning environment at schools, challenges remain.
“There is a critical challenge ahead of us – severe shortage of teachers. Even after posting vacancies for secondary-level science teachers three times, we did not even receive a single application. This is the reality we confront while we are formulating plans and looking for quality in our education.”
- Mr. Nar Singh Chaunsir, Mayor, Mahakali Municipality, Darchula
From Plan to Actions: UNESCO remains committed to implementing Inclusion in Education
UNESCO remains committed to creating an environment to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all, in alignment with the SDG4: Quality Education.
“This workshop should reach every local body in Nepal. This will foster an inter-municipality coordination among the local bodies, serving as a platform for mutual learning and the exchange of best practices within our communities.”
-Mrs. Sunita Kumari Singh, Deputy Mayor, Sahidnagar Municipality, Dhanusha
