KATHMANDU, July 21: Scott Urbom, Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy in Nepal, paid a courtesy call on Minister for Education, Science and Technology Sasmit Pokharel on Monday, with the two sides discussing ways to deepen bilateral cooperation, particularly in education and sports.
During the meeting at the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology in Singha Durbar, they recalled the long-standing diplomatic ties between Nepal and the United States and exchanged views on strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
The discussions focused on continued US support for Nepal's education sector, expanding collaboration in technical and vocational education, promoting skills-based learning, and exploring partnerships in sports development.
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The United States has long supported Nepal's education sector, including through the former US Agency for International Development (USAID), which implemented initiatives such as the Early Grade Reading and Learning Program and provided assistance to colleges of education.
Minister Pokharel expressed confidence that the historic and friendly relationship between Nepal and the United States would continue to strengthen. He said the government is implementing a series of education reforms, including revising the national school curriculum framework to place greater emphasis on practical and skills-based learning instead of purely theoretical instruction.
He said the revised curriculum will also integrate sports into school education from the early grades.
The minister added that the government has begun assessing the physical condition of schools nationwide and plans to allocate future budgets based on the findings. He reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to improving school infrastructure, educational facilities and teacher training.
Pokharel also highlighted opportunities for collaboration with the United States in areas such as safe school infrastructure, digital and smart learning, teachers' professional development, and school health and nutrition.
Urbom reaffirmed the United States' commitment to supporting Nepal's education and sports sectors through bilateral cooperation. He said the US government recognizes the education reform initiatives being undertaken by Nepal and stands ready to support their implementation.
He also expressed confidence that the United States would continue assisting the Nepal government in improving the quality of public school education.
