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Community Learning Centres (CLCs) are recognized as the main mechanism for delivering non-formal education in Nepal. There is a network of 2,151 CLCs (as of 2019) across 753 local level governments. CLCs provide a range of services and learning opportunities to out-of-school children, youth, and non-literate or semi-literate adults from socially disadvantaged rural and urban communities. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the challenges facing the CLCs' effectiveness.

Considering this, UNESCO and Samunnat Nepal, an NGO, under the UNESCO-UNFPA-UN Women Joint Programme with support from KOICA, conducted two capacity building training sessions in August 2021 to strengthen the capacities of CLC personnel to promote lifelong learning and community development.

Twenty-one participants from eight CLCs of Bajura, Sunsari, Sarlahi and Achham districts participated in the training on proposal writing, which was conducted virtually from 27 to 31 August.

The training incorporated exercises of SWOT analysis, setting goals and objectives, problem identification and prioritization, problem trees, the basics of a log frame, and much more. The participants unanimously agreed that the training contents were new to them and helped them to understand the systematic process of proposal writing and project development.

A facilitator from Madhesa CLC stated, "The training contents and delivery approach makes this training different and very useful for us." Prakash Bhandari, Secretary of Thulasen CLC, Achham, stated that the training had helped him plan programmes by identifying the problems and based on that, finding appropriate solutions.

Similarly, a seven-day virtual training was organized from 2 to 9 August to assist CLC chairpersons and facilitators in their roles and responsibilities for facilitating community development work. It primarily focused on the roles of CLCs, their relationship and interaction with local governments, and the ideal internal management structure. To make the training effective and relevant to the present scenario, the training was derived from the recently developed Government guidelines on CLC operation, management, and regulation (2078), and implementation guidelines to regulate, manage and functionalise the CLCs.

The participation of local government officials allowed discussions and further collaboration between CLCs and the respective local governments.

The CLC personnel are eager to work closely with the local governments despite the scarcity of skilled human resources. Mamata Ghimire, a facilitator from Madhesa CLC, Sunsari, stated, “Prior to this training, we had a limited understanding of our roles. Now, we understand that CLCs are extended hands of the local government; and we need to reach out to them to build good connections for implementing the relevant programmes in our community.” 

 is a Joint Programme led by UNESCO, UNFPA, and UN Women with support from KOICA aiming to empower girls and young women through an integrated approach to education, health, and gender equality. For more inquiries, contact the UNESCO Office in Kathmandu at kathmandu@unesco.org.