Australian Ambassador inaugurates Madrasa in Biratnagar

Australia’s Ambassador to Nepal, Felicity Volk visited the Madrasa Shahabjia Secondary School in Biratnagar to inaugurate a Resource Centre that was established with Australian funding.

Launching the Centre, Ambassador Volk remarked, “Social inclusion underpins all Australian development activities in Nepal and the Australian Embassy is pleased to support expanded learning opportunities for girls and boys from the Muslim community in Biratnagar.

“In Nepal, as in Australia, diverse ethnic and religious communities live side by side. Equal access to education, equal opportunity in all areas, encourages social harmony and national prosperity. It is vital that girls as well as students from traditionally marginalised communities are able to achieve equitable learning outcomes.”

The Resource Centre, established through Embassy’s Australian Alumni Public Diplomacy Fund, was conceived by Australia Awards alumna, Ms Shehnaz Ansari. The Centre is equipped with a library to encourage good reading habits and support understanding of different cultures and geography. Ambassador Volk said, “When we understand each other, we can walk in each other’s shoes. This promotes peace and prosperity in our communities, nationally and globally.”