The U.S. Agency for International Development, USAID, has awarded Plan International the USAID Equity and Inclusion in Education activity in Nepal. The award, which is up-to $20 million, began in September 2023 and will last for five years in the provinces of Karnali and Madhesh.
The activity will focus on improving equitable educational outcomes for marginalized young people in grades 6 – 10 through three objectives: Reducing barriers to access and retention; improving quality of education; and strengthening the government of Nepal systems to improve equity and inclusion at the local level.
“The USAID Equity and Inclusion in Education activity will listen directly to marginalized learners to understand the barriers they face in obtaining a quality education,” Country Director for Plan International in Nepal Ram Kishan said. “Youth-driven solutions will be supported by local partners and by the government at the provincial and local levels.”
Diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility principles are written into project design. This includes recruiting a team that reflects the diversity of the community, and intentionally supports the most marginalized children and youth in Nepal.
In close collaboration with Ministry of Education Science and Technology, the activity will be co-led by Plan International and two Nepali nonprofits, Karnali Integrated Rural Development and Research Center in Karnali Province and Aasaman Nepal in Madhesh Province. In addition, OLE Nepal will provide digital educational solutions and Inclusive Development Partners will lead on designing inclusive learning tools and assessments for the project.
“As we work to further the core tenets of localization, I am excited to partner with leading NGOs and organizations in Nepal,” Plan International USA CEO & President Shanna Marzilli said. “The activity leadership will be shared among our key partners so that expertise can truly be inclusive.”
The project will target 1,927 schools from Karnali and Madhesh Provinces to carry out the MoEST’s School Education Sector plan toward a more equitable and inclusive society. For more information, please visit: www.planusa.org/projects/nepal-usaid-equity-inclusion-education/.
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About Plan International USA
Powered by supporters, Plan International USA partners with adolescent girls, young women and children around the world to overcome oppression and gender inequality. We provide the support and resources that are unique to their needs and the needs of their communities, ensuring they achieve their full potential with dignity, opportunity and safety. Founded in 1937, Plan is an independent development and humanitarian organization that is active in more than 80 countries.
For more information, and to learn about our commitment to safeguarding, please visit www.PlanUSA.org.