The Chinese government is set to provide Chinese language training and employment opportunities to the youths of Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality. Given the proximity of Bhotekoshi to China’s Khasa market and the redevelopment of Khasa as a modern city, China aims to promote cross-border trade, attract foreign tourists, and create employment for local youths through this initiative.
With Khasa's reconstruction nearing completion, the Chinese side has expressed its commitment to providing job opportunities for Bhotekoshi's youth. In alignment with this objective, a bilateral agreement was signed on Jestha 13 between Lumbini Buddhist University and Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed by Suwarna Lal Vajracharya, Vice Chancellor of Lumbini Buddhist University; Tilak Ram Acharya, Registrar; and Pasang Nurpu Sherpa, Chairperson of Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality.
Following the agreement, Lumbini Buddhist University is preparing to begin Chinese language classes in Bhotekoshi from the month of Bhadra. After acquiring the basics of the language, selected students will be sent to cities like Khasa in China for higher education. In the first year alone, preparations are underway to send 50 students to China for further learning.
In line with the agreement, Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality has included the program in its annual policies and plans and is set to get it approved through the village assembly. The student selection process has already begun. Priority will be given to students who have recently completed Grade 12 or are awaiting results, according to Chairperson Sherpa.
Chinese language classes will be conducted within the rural municipality by instructors arriving directly from China. The municipality will manage food and accommodation for both the teachers and students as per the agreement.
After completing basic Chinese language training, students will be enrolled in colleges operating in various Chinese cities with free tuition and hostel facilities, as mentioned in the MoU. In addition, the Chinese government will provide pocket expenses to students.
Graduates with higher education in the Chinese language will have access to suitable job opportunities. The MoU further states that the Chinese government will offer employment to those who complete their undergraduate degrees.
China has previously introduced Chinese language instruction at Jhirpu Secondary School in Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality. Some of the students who learned Chinese there have already been sent to China, according to Ang Chhiring Sherpa, Chair of the school management committee.
Before the earthquake of April 25, 2015, around 5,000 youths from Bhotekoshi were engaged in trade and labor work in Chinese cities, including Khasa. However, after the earthquake, most of them returned home and began working locally.
To retain youths within the municipality and reduce foreign migration, Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality has been creating local employment opportunities in areas like coffee production, carpet weaving, and hydropower projects.
