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Nepal stands at a pivotal moment. The recent budget announcement allowing students to work up to 20 hours a week, set to be implemented from the upcoming fiscal year, marks a bold step towards harnessing the nation's most valuable asset: its youth. This forward-thinking policy holds immense potential to not only empower young individuals but also to invigorate the national economy and curb the alarming trend of brain drain.
For too long, Nepali youth have faced a dilemma: pursue higher education with limited opportunities to gain practical experience or seek opportunities abroad in search of better prospects.
The new 20-hour work policy offers a compelling third path, creating a symbiotic relationship between academic pursuits and real-world engagement. And speaking from a personal perspective, I've seen firsthand the transformative power of such programs. Decades ago, while working at a high school in Cambridge, we had high school students come in to help us as student assistants. They learned so much from us – not just about tasks, but about responsibility and working as part of a team. And for our part, we were always amazed at how much they could get done within their allocated time. This new policy in Nepal promises to bring that same kind of beneficial exchange to a national scale.
The benefits to individual students are multifaceted. Firstly, it addresses the financial strain often associated with higher education in Nepal. Many students, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, struggle to cover tuition fees and living expenses. The ability to earn income while studying will alleviate financial burdens, allowing them to focus more effectively on their academic pursuits without the constant worry of economic hardship. This can lead to increased enrollment, reduced dropout rates, and greater accessibility to higher education for a wider segment of the population.
Beyond financial relief, the policy will cultivate a sense of independence and responsibility among young people. Engaging in part-time work instills valuable life skills such as time management, problem-solving, communication, professionalism, and a strong understanding of work ethics, including punctuality, responsibility, and integrity. These are skills that transcend academic knowledge and are crucial for success in any career path. It moves beyond theoretical learning to practical application, giving students a head start in their chosen fields.
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Furthermore, this initiative can be a powerful antidote to cynicism and disillusionment often observed among youth due to limited opportunities. By providing avenues for productive engagement, it fosters a positive and proactive mindset. Students will gain confidence, build professional networks, and develop a stronger sense of purpose and contribution to their communities. This shift from passive learning to active participation can ignite an entrepreneurial spirit, encouraging them to identify needs and create solutions within Nepal rather than seeking them elsewhere.
The impact of this policy extends far beyond individual students, promising significant benefits for the entire nation. Firstly, it serves as a critical strategy to mitigate brain drain. Nepal has long grappled with the exodus of its brightest minds, with many highly skilled graduates leaving the country in search of better employment and living standards. By offering tangible work opportunities and pathways for professional growth within Nepal, the government is creating incentives for young talent to stay and contribute to national development. This retention of skilled human capital is paramount for building a knowledge-based economy and driving innovation across various sectors.
Secondly, the integration of students into the workforce will boost economic capacity. Their contributions, even on a part-time basis, will add to the national productivity. As students gain practical experience, they will be better equipped to fill existing labor market gaps and contribute to the growth of industries. This infusion of youthful energy and fresh perspectives can spur innovation, especially in emerging sectors. The budget's emphasis on providing internship opportunities in public institutions further strengthens this by connecting academic learning with practical application and exposing students to diverse career paths within the public sector.
Moreover, the policy indirectly supports youth entrepreneurship. As students gain practical experience and understand market dynamics, they are more likely to identify business opportunities and venture into startups. The government's broader commitment to a "Youth Employment Decade" and initiatives like the "Nepal Gen Z Startup Program" complement this work policy by creating a supportive ecosystem for aspiring young entrepreneurs, complete with mentoring, funding, and market support.
While some might express concerns about the potential impact on academic performance, the policy, if implemented strategically, can actually enhance it.
The Finance Minister's announcement also emphasized linking students to research institutions and internships, implying a focus on work that complements academic learning. When students work in fields related to their studies, it provides them with a deeper understanding of theoretical concepts and real-world applications. This practical exposure can improve comprehension, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. For instance, an engineering student working part-time in a tech company gains invaluable insights that reinforce their classroom learning.
This applied knowledge can lead to higher engagement, better retention of information, and ultimately, improved academic outcomes. Furthermore, the policy encourages skill-based education. By seeing the direct relevance of their studies to their work, students are more likely to be motivated to excel academically and acquire in-demand skills. This fosters a more practical and market-oriented education system, aligning academic offerings with the needs of the labor market and ensuring that graduates are job-ready upon completion of their studies.
While the potential benefits are immense, successful implementation hinges on addressing several challenges. Clear guidelines are crucial to ensure that the 20-hour limit is respected and that students are not exploited. Mechanisms for job placement, skill matching, and quality control of work opportunities will be essential. Collaboration between educational institutions, industries, and government bodies will be key to creating a robust framework. Additionally, ensuring that academic institutions adapt their schedules to accommodate student work will be vital to prevent any negative impact on studies.
In conclusion, Nepal's decision to allow students to work 20 hours a week is a visionary policy that holds the promise of transforming the nation's youth into a powerful force for progress. By empowering young individuals financially, fostering essential life skills, retaining talent, boosting economic capacity, and strengthening the relevance of academic pursuits, this initiative is not merely about providing jobs; it is about investing in a brighter, more prosperous, and self-reliant future for Nepal. The success of this policy will ultimately depend on thoughtful implementation, strong collaboration, and a collective commitment to nurturing the immense potential of Nepali youth.
(The author is an educator. She has written several children’s books. She has written for children and on parenting issues for Republica for the past 10 years.)
