Nepal has selected three priority areas to transform its education system: early education, gender equality and inclusion, and quality teaching. Changes in early education focus on playful learning and “a joyful start”: “At the door, each child chooses a way to greet their teacher: a heart for a hug, a fist for a fist pump, a hand for a handshake.”
To improve inclusion, teachers received inclusion training through the municipality. Girls and Inclusive Education Networks (GIEN) have been established in all seven provinces. These networks bring together advocates for girls, children with disabilities and marginalized learners to ensure equitable access to learning opportunities and that they are safe from exploitation, abuse and violence in schools. One teacher, Nana Mallu, introduced simple but effective changes: rearranged seating to mix students by gender and learning levels. The result: Students interact more freely.