KATHMANDU – To standardize preschool education across Nepal, Kathmandu University School of Education (KUSOED) and the National Private and Boarding Schools' Association Nepal (National PABSAN) have formally launched and handed over a collaborative preschool curriculum to National PABSAN.
.jpeg)
The new curriculum, designed to bring uniformity to the diverse preschool education landscape, was officially transferred during a ceremony in Kathmandu. Professor Dr. Bal Chandra Luitel, Dean of Kathmandu University, presented the curriculum to Ms. Geeta Rana Chhetri, Central President of National PABSAN.
Ms. Chhetri highlighted that preschools nationwide have historically operated under varied approaches. She expressed confidence that this shared curriculum would foster equality in education. "Education should be learning-based, and we must also move towards digital education," she stated. Chhetri also announced that the development of textbooks and syllabi would commence now that the curriculum has been formalized, expressing hope for a long-term collaboration with Kathmandu University.
Professor Dr. Luitel emphasized that the primary objective of the university is to contribute to society through knowledge. He asserted that educational institutions should not merely be degree-granting bodies but should play an inspiring role in social transformation. "The knowledge we produce must be usable, relevant, and capable of solving complex societal challenges," he remarked, adding, "This developed curriculum is expected to bring quality improvements in early childhood education." He stressed the need for Nepal's education system to move beyond narrow textbooks and score-centric evaluation systems towards creative, inclusive, and child-friendly learning.
Dr. Parbati Dhungana, Head of the Department of Early Childhood Education and Professional Studies under Kathmandu University School of Education, underscored the importance of collaboration. She stated that curriculum development is not solely the work of one institution but rather an effective outcome of coordination and shared efforts among educational scientists, policymakers, school operators, and teachers. "Curriculum development is not only creative but must also be research-based and evidence-supported," she said, emphasizing the necessity of developing curricula that integrate learning psychology, social context, local needs, and international experiences for the holistic development of children. She also noted that early childhood education is the foundation of the country's overall educational infrastructure and that this collaboration between the university and National PABSAN has made the private sector a partner in educational reform.
Mr. Karna Bahadur Shahi, former President of National PABSAN and Coordinator of the Education Policy and Training Commission, asserted that Nepal's future is built within classrooms, hence the need to make early childhood education more effective, scientific, and aligned with contemporary needs. "Schools are not just places of study; they are the foundation for building citizens," he stated. "Therefore, building a strong generation is possible only through a combination of a child-friendly learning environment, qualified teachers, and an appropriate curriculum." Shahi also pointed out that the early education system has long been neglected and now needs to be prioritized from policy-making to implementation.
Former National PABSAN presidents, including Pandav Hamal and Rituraj Sapkota, also attended the event. The program was conducted by Pratap Thapa, General Secretary of the National PABSAN.
