USAID pledges $85 million assistance to improve education sector of Nepal

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on Sunday announced up to $85 million assistance over five years period, subject to the availability of the funds, to expand access to quality education for children in Nepal, with special focus on marginalized youth and early grade students, according to a US embassy press release. “This expansion strengthens the existing partnership between the United States and Nepal, reaffirming their shared dedication to Nepal’s development goals.”

During an event in Kathmandu, USAID Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator for Asia Zeinah Salahi remarked “USAID has been a steadfast partner in Nepal’s development journey for over 70 years. These new investments will continue to open doors for children in Nepal and help promising young people reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to their communities’ and nation’s development progress.”

The fund will support three activities, which includes USAID early grade learning, USAID education direct financing and USAID equity and inclusion in education, according to the press release. Under these three activities, the USAID grant assistance aims to support a wide range of school needs such as textbooks, book corners and classroom improvements, promoting inclusion and strengthening education system’s resilience as well as bringing out of the school students back to classroom.