Unit VI: Critical review of participatory planning process

6.1    School Improvement Plan (SIP)

            A plan that aims at improving the pros and cons of a school is regarded as School Improvement Plan (SIP). In the context of Nepal, a plan that is carried out from improving primary schools is known as SIP. It has been lunched by Basic or Primary Education Board under Education Department.

            Basic and Primary Education Project has launched its program to improve physical and educational phenomena from the very beginning. SIP attempts to improve the managerial side of schools. The plan aims to enhancing the local capacity of a school. Managerial sector of the school is a focal point of this plan. Education Department has launched SIP to make the local people contribute in their concerned schools. This plan aims at transferring the responsibility of the school to local people from the government. So, Basic and Primary Education Board provides at least six-day training for developing managerial as well as planning skills to school management committee. SIP wants to school equip with the following characteristics:

a.      Clear view

b.      Clear aim

c.      Strategy

d.      Participation of the concerned

e.      Active learning

f.       Stratification

g.      Source mobilization

   6.1.1       Steps of SIP

            SIP aims at improving all aspects of school in real sense. One aspect of the school may affect other aspects. That is why SIP must be carried out as follows:

1.      Analysis of the present condition of school or finding out the problem

2.      Finding to the cause of problems and identifying the solutions

3.      Prioritizing the problems

4.      Finding out the resources for solving the problems

5.      Determining the long term and short term targets of the school

6.      Determining the program and its utility

7.      Formatting the educational Index and determining phase-wise target

8.      Determining the factual investment and managing the resources

9.      Evaluating of the planning

10. Implementing the program

11. Monitoring

12. Feedback 

6.2    Village Education Plan (VEP)

Village Education Plan (VEP) aims at improving the schools in according with the need of concerned village. It is village education committee (VEC) that prepares village education plan (VEP) as per the SIP prepared by the school inside a village development committee. Seventh amendment to education law 2059 BS has managed a provision of a Village Education Committee under the presidency of chairperson of concerned village development committee. It is village development committee that plays a vital role on preparing and implementing VEP in effective way.

Formation of Village Education Plan (VEP)

The committee of a Village Education Plan will be formulated as follows:

Ø  Chairpersons of School Management Committee member

Ø  Three social workers and educational leader including one woman as members

Ø  School supervisor from that area

Ø  Member of district development committee of that area

Ø  The senior head teacher of the VDC is nominated as general secretary

Responsibilities of Village Educational Plan

1.      To are responsibility of developing schools of the Village Development Committee (VDC).

2.      To encourage children to enroll in primary level.

3.      To hold household survey in the VDC for collecting the date regarding literacy rate, population of primary school age children, number of children inside and outside school, total households and population of the VDC.

4.      To coordinate among schools of the VDC in a bid to find out necessary resources and identify alternative educational programs.

5.      To prepare the details of the VDC.

6.      To prepare Village Education Plan with clear aims, goals and financial resources.

7.      To support the school management committee for identifying resources materials and implementing them.

8.      To conduct different awareness program, training, seminar and workshop for ensuring quality education.

9.      To update the record of educated manpower in the VDC. 

6.3    District Education Plan (DEP)

            District Education Plan (DEP) aims to developing the education of the districts. It is a district level coordinated plan to ensure qualitative as well as quantitative development in education.

            Each District Education Office (DEO) prepares plan and implements some educational programs to meet the need of respective district. Basic primary education program 2057 BS has made a mandatory provision for the district education office to prepare an educational plan for the district by taking into consideration the need of the district. The five-year plan is evaluated every year and gets reformed if needed.

            District education plan aims at implementing bottom up approach for developing local level education. Educational plan prepared by the central level cannot address the need and aspirations of local level. Each district differs with the other in terms of geography, socio-economy including other aspects. So such differences require different programs that can address the real need. Local need determines the priority sector. So, local stakeholders should be included in preparing, implementing, regulating and evaluating the education.

            In fact, district education plan is an integrated plan to address the local need and necessities of education to make educational decision process and inclusive, decentralized and democratic.

Steps of District Education plan (DEP)

            DEP is decentralized micro planning It starts from the bottom. DEP follows such steps:

a.      First Phase

The first phase of DEP requires each and every schools of concerned district to prepare SIP. SIP helps to know the present situation of the school and possibilities of its improvement.

b.      Second Phase

Each and every school should be prepare a report on the basis of VEP and send it to resource center.

c.      Third phase

Resource center should compile the village education plan received from the village of the concerned areas and submit them to district education office.

d.      Fourth phase

A planning team under district education office prepares the district education plan by analyzing all of those reports on a standard basis. A planning advisory team will study and analyze the profile to improve it before submitting to the District Education Office (DEO). The DEO submits the draft plan to District Development Committee (DDC) by endorsing through district education committee. The education and sports committee of DDC will present it to integrated planning team of district chairperson. Then district development plan will be prepared by prioritizing the necessity of the district where educational plan is part of it. Then, the integrated plan will be endorsed by the district development council to get legality. Then, it is presented to education department of education ministry through regional educational directorate to present it in national planning commission for budgeting.

6.4 Secondary Education Support Program  (SESP)

Secondary Education Support Program (SESP) as its name suggests aims at assisting government run secondary schools in a bid to develop quality education. It also aims to develop the secondary education in all aspects to increase enrolment in secondary education. In ensures that all children who have completed primary education must be enrolled to secondary education. The program aims to improve access to quality secondary education in harmony with development needs of the country. The government of Nepal with the help of Asian Development Bank (ADB) and DANIDA (The Danish International Development Assistance) lunched the program in 2003. It is framed in the first five year planning up to 2007 in the first phase.

Objectives of SESP

1.      To improve the quality and relevance of secondary education.

2.      To improve access to secondary education with focus on girls, children with special learning needs, poor and marginalized groups.

3.      To develop the institutional capacity and management of educational institutions at all levels.

4.      To improve relevancy of secondary education relating with national need.

5.      To extend and improve quality secondary education relating with national need.

Some Educational Projects and Programs

a.      Seti Educational for Education for Rural Development (SERD) 1981 (2038BS)

b.      Primary Educational Project (PEP) 2041

c.      Basic and Primary Education (BPEP-I) 2047

d.      Basic and Primary Education (BPEP-II) 2053

5.4 Democratic reform period (2046 BS Onward)

          The people's movement of 2046/47 BS toppled Panchayat System, and re-established multi-party democracy. It brought a change in every sector. Obviously education could not be an escape from it. Consequently a commission was formed on 14 Falgun 2047 BS to maintain decent environment in education by resolving the problems and inconsistencies seen in the educational sectors. The National Education Commission was formed on 14 Falgun 2047 BS under the chairmanship of Keshar Jung Rayamajhi. However, this commission could not complete its assigned tasks on time. So, the commission was reformed under the leadership of then education minister Govinda Raj Joshi.

          The commission submitted its proposal in 2049 BS which mentioned the national objectives of education framework and policy of primary education, secondary and higher secondary education, higher education, normal and technical education, Sanskrit education technical as well as vocational education, teacher education, special education, informal education, financial management of educational sector, educational management and observation etc. This commission also mentioned pre-primary education in different subjects, about the private schools, textbooks and evaluation, library, extracurricular activities etc. The followings are the main features recommended in National Education Commission, 2049 BS:

1.     The determination of education system is based on the fundamental rights and directive principles of the constitution of Nepal, 2047 B.S

2.      It has focused on formal and informal education to extend education and to make it easily accessible for all.

3.     By making formal and informal education complementary to each other, it was emphasized to include vocational and technical education into the educational main stream.

4.     It reconstructed the educatioonal structure of Nepal by taking into consideration the educational structures of neighbur countries.

5.     It has brought the concept of regional un universities to decentralize the opportunity of higher education.

6.     It has encouraged the private sectictors to involve in educational field.

7.     It has emphasized tje qiamtotatove as we;; as qialitative development of education.

Likewisem Basic and Primary Education Project (BPEP) was lunched in 1991 consisting of primary education for Rural Development (Seti Project) of 1981 and Primary Education Project (PEP) of 1984, The report of National Education Commission 1992 had reconstructed the basic and primary education. And BPEP - I was lunched t have extensive development in primary education. BPEP-I has been launched in all 75 districts.

           BPEP-I aimed at providing necessary trainings for the teachers, carrying out effective supervision, developing physical and educational facilities and enhancing people participation and awareness for educational development. Similarly, Basic and Primary Education Project-II 1996 (BPEP II) was the continuity of BPEP- 1. The successful completion of BPEP facilitated the implementation of it in the second phase. Actually BPEP was launched from 1991 to 2001 AD. It was implemented to change primary education into basic education, enhance the access of all primary education and develop its quality. In fact, Educational Project for Rural Development and Primary Education Project were implemented before the implementation of BPEP-I. BPEP-I was launched in 1991 AD since those education projects had been implemented successfully in educational field.

          Likewise, this period witnessed a number of international efforts to ensure access of all to education. 'Education for all' is a concept that is formally introduced in a world conference on education held in 1990 in Jomtein city of Thailand in a bid to enhance access of all to education. Later, in 2000 AD, a conference of World Education Forum was held in Dakar city of Senegal. Dakar conference reviewed the goal of Jometein conference and committed to bring the concept into implementation. Dakar conference floated a six-point goal to be accomplished from 2001 to 2015 AD. The conference prioritized to make all nations able to provide primary education for all citizens. Government of Nepal has also prepared National Action Plan of Nepal 2001-2015 to accomplish the goal of Dakar conference.

 EDUCATION AFTER 2063 B.S

          However National Education Commission, 2049 BS and the report of High Level National Education Commission, 2055 tried to make education useful, scientific and relevant to the national needs and aspirations, it is crystal clear that the present education has been unable to meet its target. Consequently a huge gap remains prevalent regarding education between the poor and rich people. Nepal has also faced political regression which ultimately has given reverse result in education, too. Now the people movement of 2062-63 BS has again restored democracy, and Nepal has institutionalized republican democracy as political system. And, the educational sector of Nepal is seeking for such education that can really address the need of Nepali people in real sense.

Educational policy mentioned in constitution

          It is encouraging that the right of education is for the first time indludeded as a fundamental right of the people in Interim Constitution 2063BS. In part 3, subpart 17", the right of education and culture has heen mentioned as a fundamental right.The costitution also has  mentioned about the educational right of people of Nepl in the constitution 2074 in Article 31 the right of people of nepal has guranted for the free and compoulsary education for basic level and free education for school level and as follows:

1.     Each and every community has a right to get education in their mother language as managed in the law.

2.     Each and every citizen has a right to get free education and compulsary education up to basic level and free education up to secondary level by the state as managed in law.

3.     Each and every citizen, inhabitant of Nepal, has a right to preserve and improve their language, script, culture, cultural civilization and heritage

          As such Constitution of Nepal has included the right of education as a fundamental right of people which can be taken as a positive aspect of the constitution.

5.3. Reform Period (2027 to 2046 BS)

          However educational plan came into existence since 2004 BS in Nepal, it got formal significance from Nepal National Education Plan Commission 2011 BS. After this All Round Education Committee 2013 BS, Wood and Bruno commission 2019 BS. National Education Advisory Council 2024 BS etc. paved the way for National Educational System Plan 2028 BS (1971 AD).

          In fact, King Mahendra, in Poush 1, 2017 VS, restricted multiparty democracy system, and declared partyless Panchayat political system through a military coup. By seizing the political rights of the people enshrined by the democracy established in 2007 RS. King Mahendra advocated Panchayati democracy relevant to Nepali socio-economic phenomena (Mato Suhaudo Bebastha). Emphasizing heavily on single language one nation, King Mahendra tried to make relevant education with the Panchayati political notion. Consequently he organized All-Round National Education Committee on 25 Baisakh, 2018 BS (1962 AD) under the presidency of Bishwa Bandhu Thapa. This committee submitted 121 pages report on 15 Asar. 2018 BS This report emphasized to implement the suggestions of NNEPC 2011 by reforming and adding some aspects King Mahendra announced National Education System Plan (NESP) or New Education Plan on 5 Baisakh 2028 BS in a bid to bring change in educational sectors. In fact, All Round National Education Committee (ARNEC) 2018 could not fulfill the need and aspirations of educational phenomena. So, NESP was organized to make the education system relevant to make it the backbone of the national development and to address public need or aspirations and national necessity. It was implemented across the country by 2032 BS At the first phase, it was implemented in two districts- Chitwan and Kaski in 2028 B.S. Likewise, it was implemented in 13 districts in 2029 BS, 15 districts in 2030, 20 districts in 2031, and 25 districts in 2032. In fact, the plan was implemented throughout the country phase-wise from 2028 BS to 2032 BS

          National Educational System Plan 2028 brought a revolutionary wave in educational system of Nepal. It was a great change from the traditional educational system because it was the first landmark educational plan implemented in Nepal. It included all of the aspects that a curriculum should contain like national objectives of education. Clear grade or level-wise objectives, clear definition of the curriculum contents, goals of the subjects, subject matters and scope etc. The previous curriculum did not have systematic organization like this. They used to possess only content or list of the teaching subjects.

5.2. Education in Transition Period (From 2007 to 2027 BS)

          Transition period of education extends from the establishment of democracy in Nepal on 7 Falgun 2007 to 2027. this period is regarded as Developmental Stage of education because this is the period from when noble research and experiments have been taken place, and education starts addressing national as well as social needs and aspiration by including new knowledge and scientific innovation. Education starts taking new shape from this period after one century and half decade of Dark Age (Opposition Period). The following attempts will be made to improve education during this period:

a. Nepal National Education Planning Commission (NNEPC, 2011 BS)

b. All Round National Education Committee. 2018

C. HB Wood Team Report, 2019

d. National Education Advisory Council, 2024

          All those attempts made Nepal's education system more systematic and leading towards the uniformity. This period some collages and so many schools were established all over the nation. The form of education was tried to make in uniform way all region of the nation. Even these all attempts were not being able to establishing the strong education system. So this situation lead to the establishment of National Education System Plan 2028 for the developing the foundation of education system of Nepal. 

Answers of Obj Questions

Objective Questions

Unit VI: Critical Review of Participatory Planning Process

6.1     School Improvement Plan (SIP)

            A plan that aims at improving the pros and cons of a school is regarded as School Improvement Plan (SIP). In the context of Nepal, a plan that is carried out from improving primary schools is known as SIP. It has been launched by Basic or Primary Education Board under Education Department.

            Basic and Primary Education Project has launched its program to improve physical and educational phenomena from the very beginning. SIP attempts to improve the managerial side of schools. The plan aims to enhancing the local capacity of a school. Managerial sector of the school is a focal point of this plan. Education Department has launched SIP to make the local people contribute in their concerned schools. This plan aims at transferring the responsibility of the school to local people from the government. So, Basic and Primary Education Board provides at least six-day training for developing managerial as well as planning skills to school management committee. SIP wants to school equip with the following characteristics:

a.       Clear view

b.      Clear aim

c.       Strategy

d.      Participation of the concerned

e.       Active learning

f.       Stratification

g.      Source mobilization

6.1.1        Steps of SIP

            SIP aims at improving all aspects of school in real sense. One aspect of the school may affect other aspects. That is why SIP must be carried out as follows:

1.      Analysis of the present condition of school or finding out the problem

2.      Finding to the cause of problems and identifying the solutions

3.      Prioritizing the problems

4.      Finding out the resources for solving the problems

5.      Determining the long term and short term targets of the school

6.      Determining the program and its utility

7.      Formatting the educational Index and determining phase-wise target

8.      Determining the factual investment and managing the resources

9.      Evaluating of the planning

10.  Implementing the program

11.  Monitoring

12.  Feedback

6.2     Village Education Plan (VEP)

Village Education Plan (VEP) aims at improving the schools in according with the need of concerned village. It is village education committee (VEC) that prepares village education plan (VEP) as per the SIP prepared by the school inside a village development committee. Seventh amendment to education law 2059 BS has managed a provision of a Village Education Committee under the presidency of chairperson of concerned village development committee. It is village development committee that plays a vital role on preparing and implementing VEP in effective way.

Formation of Village Education Plan (VEP)

The committee of a Village Education Plan will be formulated as follows:

Ø  Chairpersons of School Management Committee                                   - member

Ø  Three social workers and educational leader including one woman as members

Ø  School supervisor from that area

Ø  Member of district development committee of that area

Ø  The senior head teacher of the VDC is nominated as general secretary

Responsibilities of Village Educational Plan

1.      To ake responsibility of developing schools of the Village Development Committee (VDC).

2.      To encourage children to enroll in primary level.

3.      To hold household survey in the VDC for collecting the date regarding literacy rate, population of primary school age children, number of children inside and outside school, total households and population of the VDC.

4.      To coordinate among schools of the VDC in a bid to find out necessary resources and identify alternative educational programmes.

5.      To prepare the details of the VDC.

6.      To prepare Village Education Plan with clear aims, goals and financial resources.

7.      To support the school management committee for identifying resources materials and implementing them.

8.      To conduct different awareness program, training, seminar and workshop for ensuring quality education.

To update the record of educated manpower in the VDC.