Nepal Government to Launch Life-Skills Education Program for Class 10 Students

The Nepal government has announced a new life-skills education program aimed at students who have completed their Secondary Education Examination (SEE). This initiative is part of the 16th plan to enhance the quality and relevance of education in Nepal by making it more skill-oriented.

Program Details

• Duration: Two months (eight weeks)
• Target Group: Students who have passed class 10
• Objective: To equip students with practical skills that are useful in daily life and future employment

Skill Development Areas

The program includes training in the following practical subjects:

• Preventive Health: Understanding basic health practices to prevent illness.
• Balanced Diet and Cooking: Learning about nutrition and how to prepare healthy meals.
• First Aid: Basic first aid techniques to handle emergencies.
• Driving and Road Safety: Rules for obtaining a driving permit and safe driving practices.
• Self-Protection and Discipline: Techniques for personal safety and maintaining discipline.
• Workplace Safety: Understanding safety protocols in various work environments.
• Sexual Harassment Awareness: Education on recognizing and preventing sexual harassment.
• Patriotism and Volunteering: Fostering a sense of national pride and the importance of community service.
• Yoga, Meditation, and Art: Activities to promote mental well-being and creativity.

Implementation

The Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology will coordinate with relevant agencies to implement this program. The aim is to bridge the gap between education and employment, addressing the issue of educational unemployment that has led to increased youth migration abroad.

Educational Goals and Investments

• Literacy Rate Target: The government aims to raise the literacy rate for individuals above five years old to 85% within the next five years. The current literacy rate is 76.3%, and for the 15-24 age group, it is 92%.
• Financial Projections:
  • By the end of the 16th plan, the total domestic product for education is expected to reach NPR 5.61 trillion.
  • The current estimate stands at NPR 4.29 trillion, with projected investments reaching NPR 5.12 trillion by the plan’s conclusion.

Private Sector Involvement

According to the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, the private sector will make the largest investment in education during the final year of the 16th plan. This involvement is crucial for achieving the set educational targets and enhancing the overall quality of education in Nepal.

Conclusion

The Nepal government's life-skills education program is a significant step towards making education more practical and employment-oriented. By focusing on essential life skills and practical knowledge, this initiative aims to better prepare students for the challenges of the future and reduce the trend of youth migration due to educational unemployment.