Givology Staff's Blog

Why Are Students Leaving Nepal?

Hi Givologists! This week, we’ll be taking a look at the education system of Nepal. Personally, I was not very familiar with the education system in Nepal, or the history of the country itself, and was able to learn a lot just by googling Nepal.
[b]Eight Facts about the Education System of Nepal[/b]
1. In 2009, Nepal lengthened free education from 5 years to 8 years.
2. The academic year starts in April and ends in March.
3. Before 1951 (and subsequent political reform), education was mainly reserved for only about 250 students, including the royal family and the wealthy.
4. There are three secondary school types: community schools (run by the government), institutional/ private schools, and higher secondary schools (which provide education after the primary and lower secondary education levels are completed).
5. Following completion of higher secondary school (a total of 10 years of education), students are required to complete a three hour long School Leaving Certificate (SLC) examination for advancement to the university level.
6. The SLC exam is also referred to as the “Iron Gate,” because a student’s score determines what they will be able to study in the future. Scoring above the 80th percentile allows access to science-based careers, while lower scores entails admission to commerce, arts, and humanities subjects.
7. With a large emphasis on discipline in the classroom, most classes do not engage in discussions; instead, students listen quietly as the teacher lectures.
8. Only 11 in 100 people have access to internet in Nepal. In light of this, the typical classroom does not have any type of information technology.
With only six universities, Nepal is a country that sends many of their students overseas, to countries such as the US. Over 24,000 Nepali students chose to complete their higher studies abroad in 2010. However, this may lead to a reduction in the growth that Nepal is currently experiencing, with the loss of many professionals to other countries.
With “human capital flight” in Nepal, the question may be deciding whether initiatives should be implemented to encourage students to stay in Nepal for college-level education/ return to Nepal following the completion of a university degree. It is more likely than not that these college students are the ones that will be able to implement change and reduce the poverty that impacts the lives of about 1 of 4 people in Nepal.
[b]“Under My Umbrella” - The Umbrella Foundation[/b]
[url=]The Umbrella Foundation[/url], a Givology partner, rescue children in Nepal from unregistered, abusive orphanages and help reunite them with their families. They also work closely with village schools to provide quality education within these communities.

[i]The Next Steps Youth & Education Programme developed by the Umbrella Foundation.[/i]
Leave a comment below- how can we (or should we even) address human capital flight in Nepal? What are your thoughts on the SLC exam?
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