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Development of gender-responsive and inclusive Local Education Plan in Nepal
UNESCO’s Capacity Development for Education (CapED) Programme stepped in to bridge this gap. With its strong background in providing policy-level strategic support, UNESCO began working with local governments to develop stronger, more inclusive education systems.
By 2023, eight municipalities, including Kathmandu, had partnered with UNESCO to build capacity and create gender-responsive and inclusive Local Education Plans (LEPs). These plans were not just documents; they served as roadmaps for reaching over 627,000 learners, particularly children with disabilities from vulnerable communities or those facing economic hardships.
The International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP) played a crucial role by offering hands-on training to local staff. Their support enabled municipalities to combine community knowledge with digital tools, ensuring that the plans were relevant and forward-looking.
The new education plans aimed to create safer, more inclusive learning environments. They promoted access to education in mother tongues, strengthened local capacity for gender equity in schools, and emphasized lifelong learning opportunities beyond the classroom. UNESCO’s support through the CapED initiative has strengthened Nepal’s education policies.
A local government participant during a workshop organized to share the newly developed local education plan with other local government.
To tackle identified challenges, a joint thematic working group offers technical support to enhance local planning and budgeting for LEPs. Under the leadership of the Ministry’s Center for Education and Human Resource Development (CEHRD) and with UNESO as a key partner among others, the group seeks to harmonize external assistance and adapt the SESP to local contexts. This is being carried out within a unified framework for technical assistance, which the ministry has approved.
UNESCO’s initiatives aimed at supporting local educational plans in Nepal culminated in a Resource Book for [to be completed]. With technical support from IIEP, 91Â鶹¹ú²ú¾«Æ·×ÔÅÄ developed this Resource Book to help local governments adapt the SESP strategies to their unique contexts. It incorporates UNESCO’s proven methods and best practices, ensuring that local plans align with global standards.
This approach not only tackles current challenges but also strategically places the initiatives for enduring enhancements, ensuring a more promising future for Nepal's educational landscape.
