USAID invests $85 million to enhance education access in Nepal

KATHMANDU: The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has committed up to $85 million over five years to enhance access to quality education for children in Nepal, with a focus on marginalized youth and early-grade students.

This reaffirms the strong partnership between the United States and Nepal, underscoring their shared commitment to Nepal’s development goals.

During an event in Kathmandu, USAID Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator for Asia, Zeinah Salahi, emphasized the agency’s enduring partnership with Nepal over 70 years, expressing confidence that these investments will empower Nepalese children and youth to contribute meaningfully to their communities and nation.

USAID’s initiatives over the next five years include collaborating with local governments across all seven provinces to improve learning outcomes for children in grades 1-3.

The agency will also revise teacher training programs to better equip educators for diverse student backgrounds and provide direct grants for school needs in low-performing schools in marginalized communities.

Furthermore, USAID will strengthen the capacity of federal, provincial, and municipal governments to support students in grades 1-10, working closely with Nepal’s Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology to enhance access, promote equity and inclusion, and strengthen the education system’s resilience.

Addressing the issue of youth at the highest risk of abandoning education, USAID’s five-year activity will focus on bringing out-of-school children back into classrooms, reducing dropouts, and ensuring quality learning experiences. This initiative will be implemented by Plan International and its consortium.

In collaboration with the government, civil society, and the private sector, USAID in Nepal addresses shared priorities in education, health, disaster resilience, economic growth, democracy, and good governance.

The agency’s efforts aim to contribute to a higher quality of education and a more inclusive and equitable education system, ultimately supporting a brighter future for Nepal where all individuals can fully participate in the country’s democracy, including those from marginalized communities and groups.