In a discussion on policy and programmatic reforms to strengthen public education system in Nepal held in the capital on Wednesday, panellists agreed that the lack of highly trained and motivated teachers in public schools is to blame for their poor results. Additionally, government’s apathy towards foundational education and focus only on SLC results also came into criticism from distinguished speakers.

In the programme, Vishnu Karki, chief technical advisor to Early Grade Reading programme of the Education Ministry highlighted the need to create a new batch of teachers geared towards providing functionality-based education. Likewise, former vice-chancellor of Tribhuvan University Kedar Bhakta Mathema pointed out that teachers with total immersion into their profession and duty, solid grounding in their subject matter, handy communication skills and ability to inspire are required to uplift public education system in the country.

The discussion was organised by Teach for Nepal, a fellowship programme which recruits university graduates to teach in public schools with an aim to end inequity in education against the backdrop that only 33 percent of students from public schools passed this year’s SLC examination.

Looking at current situation of teachers in our schools, we have to change the recruitment process and invest in increasing the qualification of existing teachers, director general of Department of Education Dilli Ram Rimal said in the programme. He said the department is working towards that end and promised an increase in resources made available to public schools.

Also speaking, lawmaker Gagan Thapa stressed on the need of bringing private institutions to take over the management of public schools to emulate their success. He was particularly referring to TFN’s achievement as 74 percent of students from classrooms where fellows from TFN were engaged passed this year’s SLC. Our new constitution is going to make huge promises in the education front and we have to take the help of private educators, he added.

Joint Secretary at the Education Ministry Lava Deo Awasthi said the ministry is preparing to increase private sector’s role in public education and said the upcoming national budget will set aside a fund, however minimal, towards that end.