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Increased exposure to technologies has lately emerged as one of the everyday realities of digital natives, especially K-12 students, and teachers, the digital immigrants. Protection from cybersecurity risks in digital learning spaces is a... more
Increased exposure to technologies has lately emerged as one of the everyday realities of digital natives, especially K-12 students, and teachers, the digital immigrants. Protection from cybersecurity risks in digital learning spaces is a human right, but students are increasingly exposed to high-risk cyberspace without time to cope with cybersecurity risks. This study, using a survey (N-891 students and 157 teachers) and in-depth interviews (27 students and 14 teachers), described the students' cybersecurity related experiences and challenges in Nepal. This study revealed that the school’s cybersecurity support system is poor and teachers has very low awareness and competencies to protect students from cybersecurity-related challenges. To create a safe cyberspace for learners, it is urgent to enhance the cybersecurity awareness and skills of teachers, as the existing infrastructure is weak and there is a significant gap related to the cybersecurity awareness between students and teachers. Poor cybersecurity is one of the significant barriers to the quality of education in Nepal. In the age of information and technology, effective collaboration among parents, teachers, and students, the multi generational learners, is the prerequisite for ensuring children's rights to learn in all settings including cyberspace.
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The participatory planning and budgeting process at the local level encourages citizens to participate in the selection, implementation, and management of development plans. Over the last few decades, the elite captured planning process... more
The participatory planning and budgeting process at the local level encourages citizens to participate in the selection, implementation, and management of development plans. Over the last few decades, the elite captured planning process in Nepal is criticized for being unfair to the marginalised groups. This paper, through a critical qualitative assessment of the local level planning process, explored the role of political actors and the marginalised communities in the local level decisions. It adapted the Weberian idea of power networks where elites can implement their will, even against the will of others. It revealed that the influence of traditional political elites - i.e., Panchas – has shifted to the newly elected or selected political elites, the neo-elites, represented by the local leaders including elected Mayors, with some exceptions. The neo-elite control in the local planning process is as strong as it was in the past despite there being progressive provisions in the con...
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This study explores the experiences of othering and violence in school. Ethnographic fieldwork was conducted in five schools located in the fragile setting of Nepal for over six months. Using the idea of othering, this study unveils that... more
This study explores the experiences of othering and violence in school. Ethnographic fieldwork was conducted in five schools located in the fragile setting of Nepal for over six months. Using the idea of othering, this study unveils that the academically low performers and culturally undervalued students are more likely to be labelled as Bhuskul, the 'other'. This category is used to rationalize discrimination and use violence against the 'other'. With the cementing practices of 'othering' and violence, the schools are unable to foster values of peace and nonviolence but on the contrary, it will continue reinforcing structural violence and perpetuating direct violence. More research is required to understand and address the issue of inter-sectional othering process that normalize the discrimination and use of violence in school.
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By presenting Shamanism as a form and tradition of indigenous knowledge, this paper aims to reduce the uncertainties attached to the concept in common approaches to indigenous research. Most indigenist researchers, who are working to... more
By presenting Shamanism as a form and tradition of indigenous knowledge, this paper aims to reduce the uncertainties attached to the concept in common approaches to indigenous research. Most indigenist researchers, who are working to blend western and non-western ways of knowing, have inadequately explored indigenous research procedures. In order to understand indigenous research procedures in the Nepali multi-cultural context, using interpretive, critical and postmodern research paradigms, the authors engaged with indigenous elders and traditional healers, and observed cultural events like shamanic performances. This paper reveals how achieving a profound understanding of indigenous knowledge traditions will be an integral part of how researchers approach indigenous communities in future studies
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This study analyses intergovernmental revenue policies and its practices in Nepal, specifically focusing on the role of local governments (LGs) in tax administration. Both qualitative and quantitative data were used in this study that... more
This study analyses intergovernmental revenue policies and its practices in Nepal, specifically focusing on the role of local governments (LGs) in tax administration. Both qualitative and quantitative data were used in this study that concluded LGs are gradually institutionalising internal revenue bases, and rates at the local level. The constitution 2015 has provisioned that the local governments can autonomously execute various functions including legislative, administrative, financial management, tax administration and so on. Nonetheless, imperfect experience, inadequate technical skills, limited legal and procedural grounds, and weak institutional capacity, LGs are collecting tax. Result shows tax enforcement process has been implemented with limited consultation with the taxpayers and minimal coordination with the provincial and federal government. This has created number of criticisms to the LGs about their unaccountability to the taxpaying citizens. Thus, some recommendations...
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In a multicultural society, education can both foster the value of ‘celebrating diversity’ and thereby the social harmony but it can also foster social tensions and fuel conflicts by promoting cultural homogenisation. Using content... more
In a multicultural society, education can both foster the value of ‘celebrating diversity’ and thereby the social harmony but it can also foster social tensions and fuel conflicts by promoting cultural homogenisation. Using content analysis of education policies, curriculum and textbooks this study examined the way Nepal’s historical education system shifted from monocultural education towards a multicultural peace education approach. This study revealed that, by including the contents that promote multicultural values, the critical peace education initiative contributes to redressing the socio-political tensions that the monocultural education system fuelled historically. However, the local ownership, longer term commitment of the stakeholders, and regular consultations with the representatives of different cultural groups in curricular reform are essential for a successful peace education initiative.
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School education is largely universalised in Nepal, but schools are not yet free from different challenges like violence. This study aimed to explore how adolescents are experiencing school violence, how it affects the school life, and... more
School education is largely universalised in Nepal, but schools are not yet free from different challenges like violence. This study aimed to explore how adolescents are experiencing school violence, how it affects the school life, and how Nepali public schools are responding to such violence. Exploring these aspects, as the theoretical basis, I used the idea of cultural violence (Galtung, 1990), critical theory of othering (Kumasiro, 2000) and some of the locally practiced perspectives.
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This study analyses intergovernmental revenue policies and its practices in Nepal, specifically focusing on the role of local governments (LGs) in tax administration. Both qualitative and quantitative data were used in this study that... more
This study analyses intergovernmental revenue policies and its practices in Nepal, specifically focusing on the role of local governments (LGs) in tax administration. Both qualitative and quantitative data were used in this study that concluded LGs are gradually institutionalising internal revenue bases, and rates at the local level. The constitution 2015 has provisioned that the local governments can autonomously execute various functions including legislative, administrative, financial management, tax administration and so on. Nonetheless, imperfect experience, inadequate technical skills, limited legal and procedural grounds, and weak institutional capacity, LGs are collecting tax. Result shows tax enforcement process has been implemented with limited consultation with the taxpayers and minimal coordination with the provincial and federal government. This has created number of criticisms to the LGs about their unaccountability to the taxpaying citizens. Thus, some recommendations such as integration of technical management capacity with local, provincial, and federal level for efficient fiscal administration systems; and digitization and automation of taxation for intergovernmental cooperation have been provided for improving local economic and effective tax administration at the local level.
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ABSTRACT: Save the Children Sweden's report on Peace Education, entitled “Peace by Piece, Mainstreaming Peace Education in South Asia” brings the main learning from the various Peace Education initiatives and programmes in Nepal,... more
ABSTRACT: Save the Children Sweden's report on Peace Education, entitled “Peace by Piece, Mainstreaming Peace Education in South Asia” brings the main learning from the various Peace Education initiatives and programmes in Nepal, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Sri Lanka and provides key recommendations and ways forward for mainstreaming Peace Education in South and Central Asia.
This article explains how Nepali Hindu women’s oppressive position was created in the past and how they are still struggling for their full liberation – mukti. It also reflects that Hindu women’s long journey towards freedom and equality... more
This article explains how Nepali Hindu women’s oppressive position was created in the past and how they are still struggling for their full liberation – mukti. It also reflects that Hindu women’s long journey towards freedom and equality has been moving through a thorny path. Deriving mainly from literatures, this paper discusses how Nepali Hindu women’s identity ‘Aimai’ was constructed and how, through their continuous struggle, they are getting better condition as dignified ‘Mahila’ yet far from their reach to the position of fully liberated women –mukta Mahila.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jer.v4i1.10013 Journal of Education and Research, March 2014, Vol. 4, No. 1, pp. 34-52
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The children are active stakeholders and actor of humanitarian actions. Thus they should be considered as active young citizens and humanitarian responders in emergencies. The findings of this study support that poor children are more... more
The children are active stakeholders and actor of humanitarian actions. Thus they should be considered as active young citizens and humanitarian responders in emergencies. The findings of this study support that poor children are more at-risk from flood. In contrast, non-poor children avoid post-flood risk by purchasing safety as their parents by shifting their house in safer place where they also can access better education alternatives. Besides social class- the poor and non-poor-, risks are also determined by the traditional practices that protect people from risks, which largely adhered to individual and social agencies.
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This paper explored how civic and democratic education (CDE) emerged in Nepalese education system, how it is addressed by different educational policies and how CDE was implemented before and after 1990 in Nepalese education system. After... more
This paper explored how civic and democratic education (CDE) emerged in Nepalese education system, how it is addressed by different educational policies and how CDE was implemented before and after 1990 in Nepalese education system. After the restoration of the multi-party political system in Nepal, in (1990), the curricular activities have been moving towards decentralization and also included the interest and voice of the diverse population of Nepal in curriculum and curricular materials. In the National Curriculum Framework, (NCF) 2005, civic and democratic education has been a priority. In line with the NCF; Local curriculum framework has also been developed in order to make the curriculum more relevant with the local needs. In the future, the whole curricular process needs to be made closer to the local context, learners, and teachers. Nepali education should recognize and celebrate the local cosmology and local wisdom; help children to be critical and global citizens. The paper also suggests the way forward as to how the whole curriculum development process and implementation can be democratic.
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School education is largely universalised in Nepal, but schools are not yet free from different challenges like violence. This study aimed to explore how adolescents are experiencing school violence, how it affects the school life, and... more
School education is largely universalised in Nepal, but schools are not yet free from different challenges like violence. This study aimed to explore how adolescents are experiencing school violence, how it affects the school life, and how Nepali public schools are responding to such violence. Exploring these aspects, as the theoretical basis, I used the idea of cultural violence (Galtung, 1990), critical theory of othering (Kumasiro, 2000) and some of the locally practiced perspectives.
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In a multicultural society, education can both foster the value of 'celebrating diversity' and thereby the social harmony but it can also foster social tensions and fuel conflicts by promoting cultural homogenisation. Using content... more
In a multicultural society, education can both foster the value of 'celebrating diversity' and thereby the social harmony but it can also foster social tensions and fuel conflicts by promoting cultural homogenisation. Using content analysis of education policies, curriculum and textbooks this study examined the way Nepal's historical education system shifted from monocultural education towards a multicultural peace education approach. This study revealed that, by including the contents that promote multicultural values, the critical peace education initiative contributes to redress the socio-political tensions that the monocultural education system fuelled historically. However, the local ownership, longer term commitment of the stakeholders, and regular consultations with the representatives of different cultural groups in curricular reform are essential for a successful peace education initiative.
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This study revealed that the aim of achieving quality and equity in education cannot be realised without addressing the violence in school. Further, it emphasised that school violence cannot be effectively understood and prevented unless... more
This study revealed that the aim of achieving quality and equity in education cannot be realised without addressing the violence in school. Further, it emphasised that school violence cannot be effectively understood and prevented unless realising the intricacies and complexities of violent practices rooted in school’s culture.
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Achieving quality education for all is one of key development priorities. However, compared to high income countries, at present, the South Asian situation of quality education is rather poor. There are some major paradoxes in the South... more
Achieving quality education for all is one of key development priorities. However, compared to high income countries, at present, the South Asian situation of quality education is rather poor. There are some major paradoxes in the South Asia's education system such as how to inculcate South Asian values in schools, and how to deal with cultural barriers in education. This chapter reveals that countries of this region failed to overcome the occidental legacy of education and inculcate the relevant South Asian values and knowledge and to challenge cultural barriers to quality education. Lack of clarity on how to approach educational paradoxes, and thus, increase quality of education in the region is a major challenge.
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By presenting Shamanism as a form and tradition of indigenous knowledge, this paper aims to reduce the uncertainties attached to the concept in common approaches to indigenous research. Most indigenist researchers, who are working to... more
By presenting Shamanism as a form and tradition of indigenous knowledge, this paper aims to reduce the uncertainties attached to the concept in common approaches to indigenous research. Most indigenist researchers, who are working to blend western and non-western ways of knowing, have inadequately explored indigenous research procedures. In order to understand indigenous research procedures in the Nepali multi-cultural context, using interpretive, critical and postmodern research paradigms, the authors engaged with indigenous elders and traditional healers, and observed cultural events like shamanic performances. This paper reveals how achieving a profound understanding of indigenous knowledge traditions will be an integral part of how researchers approach indigenous communities in future studies.
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The shelves of local shops are filled with an abundance of imported beverages. Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Fanta, Sprite, Frooti, and Red Bull among others have made the way to rural Nepal, where agriculture is still the primary source of income.... more
The shelves of local shops are filled with an abundance of imported beverages. Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Fanta, Sprite, Frooti, and Red Bull among others have made the way to rural Nepal, where agriculture is still the primary source of income. As the result of increasing access to imported goods and products in rural markets, local products are gradually losing ground. This paper shows that tailored consumer education can assist de-cocacolising the market and increase the competitiveness and diversification of local products. It does so by imparting knowledge and skills to individuals to be critical and responsible consumers who start seeking an equal share of local products in the rural market. For this paper, extensive desk review, rural market observations and interviews with consumers of different age groups, vendors and youth were used as data generation techniques.
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ABSTRACT: Save the Children Sweden's report on Peace Education, entitled “Peace by Piece, Mainstreaming Peace Education in South Asia” brings the main learning from the various Peace Education initiatives and programmes in Nepal,... more
ABSTRACT: Save the Children Sweden's report on Peace Education, entitled “Peace by Piece, Mainstreaming Peace Education in South Asia” brings the main learning from the various Peace Education initiatives and programmes in Nepal, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Sri Lanka and provides key recommendations and ways forward for mainstreaming Peace Education in South and Central Asia.
This article explains how Nepali Hindu women’s oppressive position was created in the past and how they are still struggling for their full liberation – mukti. It also reflects that Hindu women’s long journey towards freedom and equality... more
This article explains how Nepali Hindu women’s oppressive position was created in the past and how they are still struggling for their full liberation – mukti. It also reflects that Hindu women’s long journey towards freedom and equality has been moving through a thorny path.
Cyber bullying is increasingly becoming a major a concern for Nepali teens having access to electronic devices. This paper discusses how Nepali school children are being affected from cyber bullying.
This paper deals how education is being systematically used by the major political parties for their cadre making process in post 1990 open democratic period and made school as the zones of ideological conflict and also analyzed the... more
This paper deals how education is being systematically used by the major political parties for their cadre making process in post 1990 open democratic period and made school as the zones of ideological conflict and also analyzed the consequences of politicization of education.
This is collection of articles related to peace education, human rights, gender and civics education.
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A handbook is developed as a resource for teacher development.
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Hinduism is one of the most classical living religious/cultural groups of the world following by nearly by 900 million people. Modern education has left the classical lived knowledge behind and looking for new avenues for better future.... more
Hinduism is one of the most classical living religious/cultural groups of the world following by nearly by 900 million people. Modern education has left the classical lived knowledge behind and looking for new avenues for better future. Vedic Hindu ideology depicted in Veda, Upanishad, Ramayana, and Mahabharata are rich of emancipatory knowledge of "whole world is one family" and advancing people to be the cosmic citizens by widening their narrow self. This paper discussed the concept of unity as foundation of peace enshrined in Hindu ideology. The major concepts and methods of teaching traced in Hinduism relevant for modern peace education are explored in this paper.