KATHMANDU, May 29: The European Union (EU) and UNICEF Nepal have launched Asha: Dreams in Motion, a travelling cinema and dialogue initiative aimed at strengthening discussions on skills development and employment opportunities for young people in Nepal.
The programme was inaugurated at the Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival (KIMFF) 2026, bringing together government officials, private sector representatives, educators, development partners and youth to explore how education and training systems can better prepare adolescents for a rapidly changing labour market.
Asha: Dreams in Motion features a documentary following the lives of three young people from different regions of Nepal—from Dhangadhi in the west to Janakpur in the southeast—highlighting their journeys through education, training, and job search, along with the challenges they face in building careers.
“I am passionate about cybersecurity and digital learning, but most of what I learn is on my own because structured and certified courses are not available in Nepal. With proper training and opportunities, young people like me can turn what we love into real careers,” said Deepshikha Chaudhary, one of the participants featured in the film.
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UNICEF Representative to Nepal Alice Akunga said the initiative aims to better connect education with employment opportunities.
“Across Nepal, young people are asking whether what they learn will truly help them build the future they want. This initiative is about listening to those questions and working together to strengthen the link between learning and transition to work,” she said.
Following the Kathmandu launch, the documentary will be screened in Sudurpashchim, Karnali and Madhesh provinces between 2 and 9 June. The provincial dialogues will bring together local governments, educators, youth and private sector actors to discuss education priorities and labour market realities.
Insights from these discussions will be compiled into policy recommendations aimed at improving pathways from education to employment.
EU Education Focal Point Anouk van Neck said education must go beyond access and focus on equipping young people with relevant skills.
“As digital technologies, green economies, entrepreneurship, tourism, agriculture, and creative industries reshape opportunities, strengthening the link between education, skills development, and employment has never been more important,” she said.
The initiative reflects a joint commitment by the EU and UNICEF to strengthen inclusive and equitable education systems in Nepal. It aligns with Nepal’s School Education Sector Plan (SESP), which focuses on improving learning outcomes and linking education more closely with labour market needs.
