Inclusive Education Workshop Held in Itahari
Itahari, Poush 28, 2082 (BS)
In Itahari, stakeholders held discussions on practical measures to include children with disabilities, students from linguistic and cultural diversity, and children from socially marginalized communities within inclusive education.
At a workshop titled “Inclusive Education: Policy and Practice,” organized by Kathmandu University, participating education experts and stakeholders emphasized that inclusive education policies should not remain limited to paper and must be implemented in practice for all children, including those with different abilities.
The workshop conducted a detailed review of Nepal’s existing inclusive education-related policies, the Constitution, the Education Act, and the role of local levels.
Expert speakers stated that although Nepal has made sufficient legal provisions at the policy level to ensure inclusive education, effective implementation at the school level remains weak.
Participants noted that the gap between policy and practice is the main challenge in implementing inclusive education.
Kathmandu University teachers Prisima Thapa, Ramesh Baral, and Mahendra Thapa facilitated discussions on the following areas:
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Ways to create an inclusive classroom environment
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Non-discriminatory teaching methods
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Using teaching materials based on students’ individual needs
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Peer support systems
On the occasion, speakers from the organizers’ side, including Sarita Khatiwada, Sirjana Timseena, Yadawa Regmi, and Pankaj Rai Adhikari, expressed confidence that effective implementation of inclusive education can play an important role in moving the country toward equality, social justice, and sustainable development.
Chief Guest Lekhnath Ghimire, Chairperson and educationist at World Adarsha Academy, stated that inclusive education can be made effective only through continuous monitoring along with policy-making, and through practical training and practice.
Itahari Sub-Metropolitan City spokesperson Dibash Pokhrel emphasized that teacher empowerment, an active role of local levels, and the participation of parents and the community are indispensable for successful implementation of inclusive education.
Inclusive education expert Ranjana Dhakal said that there are still various challenges in implementing inclusive education, and identified the lack of physical infrastructure, shortage of trained teachers, and a low level of social awareness as key problems.
Itahari Sub-Metropolitan City Education Officer Santosh Karki emphasized that along with policy-making, effective implementation and active community participation are mandatory.
On the occasion, senior social worker Ramchandra Adhikari, Janata Secondary School Principal Pashupati Sigdel, and World Adarsha Academy Principal Ganesh Dulal, among others, discussed the importance, need, and current practice of inclusive education.
The workshop was held under the chairpersonship of Pritika Basnet, Koshi Province Coordinator at Kathmandu University School of Education. There was significant participation from education experts, principals and teachers from private and community schools, representatives of educational organizations, and activists working in the disability rights sector from various districts including Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, and Kathmandu.
Workshop participants expressed confidence that the successful organization of such programs will help make practical inclusive education practices at the school level more effective.
2082 Poush 28
Conference Itahari