"The key to quality education..............."

The letter from Barry Hitchcock, Nepal Director at Asia Development Bank has prompted much discussion amongst Trustees and supporters, and one comment is worthy of a full posting. Janice Brockbank is Educational Advisor to NSA and has been much involved in the creation of our teacher training Academy and the provision of volunteer teachers to work and run training programmes in Kathmandu. In essence we are all stakeholders with an interest in developing Nepal's education system and therefore we all hold a piece of the jigsaw which is vital to making up the whole picture. 

Janice says:

"This note is directed towards Mr Hitchcock whose response to NSA demonstrates genuine openess to listen to all who have a desire to improve education in Nepal. 

It is encouraging that ADB recognises that the largest of philanthropic organisations may not necessarily have all the necessary information to create the essential impact required. Support has been supplied in many forms historically with no significant impact so 'doing more of the same' is unlikely to work.

NSA has created a blue print for quality education that is not currently addressed in SSRP. NSAs Academy training programme targets the heart of quality learning which requires skilful and motivated teachers. Bricks and mortar and statistics of increased attendance look impressive providing evidence and data that is simple to collect but it is the interaction between effective teaching and children that will raise standards and the quality of education for the future citizens of Nepal.

Dr Brian and Champa Metters have established a practical, innovative training programme providing a key to open the door to quality education. It is not too great a statement to suggest that NSAs Academy 'blueprint' has the potential to transform learning for children and young people in Nepal should its principles be adopted and supported by Nepal's Ministry of Education and rolled out nationwide." 

We will be following up with our own response to Mr Hitchcock in a few days time.