Education Matters: Ethics, Culture, and Curriculum Adjustment

As we transition from “21st Century Teaching”, we recall the urgency of reshaping Nepal’s education system for today’s world by embracing empathy, critical thinking, and student empowerment. We recognized the vital role of a growth mindset in nurturing forward-thinking classrooms. Now as we explore “Ethics, Culture, and Curriculum Adjustment”, we will highlight inclusivity, autonomy, and cultural relevance in education. Our goal is to align our curriculum with global standards while preserving the heritage and integrity of Nepal’s unique context. This discussion offers the next step in our collective mission to transform Nepal’s educational landscape. 

Connection to Prior Issue
In our previous exploration, titled “Nepal’s Curriculum and Global Perspectives”, we critically examined Nepal’s current curriculum within the international K-12 educational landscape. We recognized a commendable alignment between Nepal’s educational principles and various international philosophies and methodologies. Despite the presence of robust theoretical frameworks, we are now faced with a pressing question: why, despite standing shoulder to shoulder with global educational powerhouses in terms of curriculum design, is Nepal’s education system not meeting the needs of the day?

The gap prompts us to delve deeper into the underlying factors that may be hindering the actualization of the curriculum’s potential. Societal influences, including entrenched cultural norms and expectations, play a complex role in shaping educational aspirations and achievements. Political corruption permeates the system, often overshadowing merit and fostering disillusionment. Economic barriers present formidable challenges, particularly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, limiting access to quality education and contributing to unfulfilled dreams. Moreover, the concentration on specific fields like medicine and engineering might restrict diverse opportunities, leaving a vast talent pool untapped. Together, these factors create a multifaceted and intricate landscape that requires careful examination and thoughtful intervention. 

Harmonizing Global Alignment and Cultural Resonance 
As we explore further, it becomes clear that Nepal’s education system needs to be firmly rooted in the country’s rich cultural heritage. In theory, the curriculum aligns with renowned international frameworks. However, in practice, it does not adequately nurture student’s connection to Nepali culture and traditions. Global holidays like Halloween and Christmas are highly visible in schools and society, yet many native Nepali festivals and legends seem to be fading from the younger generation’s collective consciousness. This discrepancy indicates an urgent need to integrate Nepali cultural narratives back into the curriculum. Incorporating legends, values, and traditions across academic subjects can help students develop pride in their heritage and fully understand the origins of Nepali practices. Dedicating learning time specifically to local history and celebrations through specialized courses, school events, and field trips can bring Nepal’s culture to life for students. Guidance documents like UNESCO’s Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity (2001) and scholars like Basha Krasnoff’s work Culturally Responsive Teaching – A Guide; emphasize the importance of culturally grounded approaches and practices. 

The evidence suggests a transformational shift is needed in education to nurture students who are globally minded yet locally rooted. Nepal’s school system should meticulously integrate Nepali culture throughout the curriculum and foster immersive cultural experiences through activities and discussions. This is not just about making school festive but about helping students appreciate their cultural depth. Importantly, teachers, schools, and local communities should be empowered to decide what specific cultural content to include and how to conduct teaching and learning in a locally relevant way. Learning to analyze traditions critically can empower students to value their heritage and navigate the world with a strong sense of Nepali identity. Initiatives guided by research on culturally responsive education can nurture discerning, creative thinkers rooted in their culture. More than a reform, this is a vital step toward a society embracing diversity and mutual respect – a future as vibrant as Nepal’s cultural tapestry. 

Societal Influences on Education 
In Nepal, the education sector faces considerable challenges heavily influenced by ingrained societal norms and the impacts of political corruption and unethical leadership. A decline in ethical standards is not limited to just the political sphere but has significantly infiltrated educational institutions too, creating an environment where education is often secondary to power plays and financial influence. The younger generation finds themselves conflicted, observing a discouraging gap between educational attainment and gaining power, further compounded by the extreme focus of high-achieving students on limited fields like medicine and engineering in higher education. This narrow concentration and skyrocketing price tag to pursue these degrees, not only sidelines many other feasible and essential career paths but also erects insurmountable barriers for aspiring students from disadvantaged backgrounds. As a result, much potential talent goes untapped, fueling disillusionment and unfilled ambitions. To address this, it is vital to cultivate an educational environment built on ethical values, that respects and develops diverse talents and abilities. 

Tackling the deep issues in the education system necessitates a comprehensive approach going beyond just enhancing curricula to nurturing a civic sense of duty and ethical foundation in students. The curriculum should prioritize civic education, prompting students to critically examine societal standards and envision themselves as future leaders capable of championing transparency and moral strength. Additionally, it is time we promote a diversified educational model opening avenues in a wider array of fields and enabling inclusive growth. This endeavor should acknowledge diverse career paths respectfully and motivate students to pursue areas matching their personal strengths and interests. The objective is a reenergized educational environment aligned with global progress but firmly rooted in ethical values, furthering individual growth and a society embracing diversity and mutual respect.  

Employment Generation 
In Nepal, the existing structure of the employment sector stands on shaky ground due to persistent systemic issues. A large fraction of the national budget is channeled into sustaining an extensive government framework, where job recruitments are more often influenced by political affiliations than merit, leaving a vast majority feeling excluded and without a fair chance at securing employment. The situation is further aggravated by the absence of diligent labor market analyses, leading to a poor understanding of the needs and demands of high-potential sectors. Following the establishment of democracy, a significant wave of privatization has ensued with insufficient governmental initiatives aimed at nurturing industries, resulting in a dwindled number of domestic employment opportunities. 

To steer the employment landscape in the right direction, it is essential to overhaul the prevailing framework, which is marred by deep-seated biases that classify jobs based on prestige and financial yield. The false notion that certain jobs are inherently superior or inferior based on intellectual, financial, and social status has complicated the Nepali job market, making people feel insecure about pursuing similar roles locally as compared to abroad. Educational institutions hold the key to initiating this change by forging partnerships with industries to pinpoint regional skill requirements and accordingly tailor the curricula to meet these demands. By fostering an entrepreneurial, hands-on learning environment, there is potential to build a workforce adept at seizing opportunities in emerging sectors, including those aligned with sustainable development goals. However, the path forward necessitates a transparent, merit-based approach that respects all forms of dignified employment. With coordinated efforts grounded in ethics, education can become a vibrant pathway to meaningful careers, both locally and globally. 

Honoring Authentic Heroes
In Nepal, young students face a different reality from their counterparts in countries like the US, the UK, and India, where there are established institutions, such as Ivy League universities, to aspire to. These institutions have long-standing traditions of producing trailblazers across various fields, including many Nobel laureates, and global leaders in economics, mathematics, medicine, social sciences, and more, making them coveted targets of academic aspirations. Moreover, students often find themselves disenchanted with the current curriculum, which sometimes glorifies corrupt political figures or fake social workers through exaggerated stories that do not resonate with them. To address this, it is critical to revise the educational content to feature individuals who have positively impacted society through their sincere contributions and service. Figures who come to mind include BP Koirala, notable both in politics and literature, Dr. Sanduk Ruit, with his contributions to eye care, and the entertainment duo of Madan Krishna Shrestha and Haribansha Acharya who spurred critical thinking through their art, and many across local and regional sectors. These individuals represent the kind of role models students can genuinely look up to, embodying dedication, service, and the spirit of Nepali resilience and ingenuity. 

Going forward, an overhauled curriculum should aim to balance global educational standards with a strong grounding in authentic Nepali narrative and values, steering clear of false portrayals. This should extend beyond textbooks to informal environments like school events, field trips and discussions, fostering connections with real Nepali heroes and values. Teachers should actively reference genuine role models, nurturing pride in heritage while encouraging critical thinking. The goal is an approach that develops globally competent citizens firmly rooted in their authentic cultural ethos. 

Strengthening Our Domestic Institutions
Nepal’s higher education sector finds itself at a pivotal moment, beset with challenges including declining enrollments and a curriculum often perceived as disconnected due to the presence of inauthentic narratives. This precarious situation is exacerbated by the absence of a robust higher education policy that aligns with Nepal’s overarching developmental objectives. This gap has prevented the university system from bridging existing and future skill gaps in vital economic sectors, fostering a cycle of less-than-ideal developmental outcomes for the nation. Moreover, the discourse surrounding this crisis has often bypassed the core issues, concentrating instead on secondary concerns such as the SEE pass rate and the trend of students opting for educational opportunities abroad. A shift in focus is necessary, moving from a discussion centered on the number of educational institutions to one that underscores the quality and unique offerings of each entity. 

Moving forward, it is critical to reassess and clearly define our national goals for higher education, with a particular focus on a budget allocation that adequately supports these aspirations. The current 5-7% allocation is insufficient to develop a workforce with the skills necessary to meet local, federal, and global market demands. Furthermore, it is vital to foster an environment where academic freedom is a basic right, not just a privilege, to prevent overregulation that could hinder the innovation and growth of renowned institutions such as Tribhuvan University and Kathmandu University. These institutions have historically been pillars of Nepalese education and must regain that status. To do this, it is clear that we must empower educators to nourish institutions that can compete globally. At this decisive moment, the urgent need is a cohesive strategy to revitalize our higher education sector, crafting a policy that is forward-thinking yet respects Nepali heritage and values and facilitates a conducive environment for students to excel in Nepal. 

Recommendations for Reform 
To steer Nepal’s education system towards a brighter future, concerted efforts are needed across multiple fronts. First and foremost, merit must be the cornerstone for policies concerning admissions, recruitment, and promotions across all academic institutions. Simultaneously, robust anti-corruption and accountability mechanisms need to be instituted to restore trust. Building partnerships with all stakeholders including NGOs and the private sector can increase access and affordability, especially for disadvantaged students. Curriculum reform should look beyond conventional pathways to spotlight diverse Nepali role models across various fields, nurturing a broader vision. Furthermore, research capabilities in academic institutions must be strengthened substantially through partnerships, resources, and incentives to unleash innovation. At the school level, civic education on rights, ethics and responsibilities deserves greater emphasis to groom principled future leaders. Acknowledging the challenges, a transformation is within reach if all stakeholders align behind an agenda for reform centered on ethics, merit and inclusivity.

In light of the foreseen reforms, the implication for Nepal's educational trajectory is multi-dimensional, aiming to foster an environment where merit and transparency are ground realities. This requires adopting a more versatile curriculum that highlights accomplishments beyond just traditional fields, including arts, sciences, and entrepreneurship. Furthermore, democratizing education through collaborations and promoting civic virtues will nurture society-conscious leaders. 

Call to Action
The path ahead involves sustained collaborative endeavors. Students need to be at the forefront, engaging critically with societal issues and envisioning their role in driving change. Academic institutions must reinvent systems and curricula to align with 21st-century needs and opportunities. Policymakers and regulators should craft frameworks that encourage merit, autonomy, and diversity. Industries must partner with academia to develop relevant programs and provide opportunities. Non-profits can drive initiatives to increase access. Together, we must reject misinformation and uphold ethics in education and society. The change we seek will only come through our collective will and action. The task is monumental, but the seeds must be sown today. This is a clarion call to students, educators, regulators, and citizens alike to be the change. For Nepal’s progress, let us lead the change. 

Thank you for investing your time in this “Education Matters” series. Your engagement is instrumental in shaping a robust discourse in our educational landscape. I encourage you to share your feedback or questions at [email protected], fostering rich dialogue and collective growth. Looking forward, the next article titled “Education Matters: From Theory to Practice” will dissect the crucial role of practical education in Nepal, aiming to strike a balance between contemporary needs and our deep-rooted traditions. Join me in this enriching journey where we endeavor to harmonize theory and practice, envisioning a vibrant and inclusive future for education in Nepal.