NEXA Concludes 2nd AGM with Focus on ‘Learn, Earn and Return’

Kathmandu: The Nepal Educational Consultancy Services Association (NEXA) has successfully concluded its second Annual General Meeting (AGM) with a strong emphasis on its theme, “Learn, Earn and Return.” The formal event, held on Saturday at Everest Hotel in New Baneshwor, also marked the association’s anniversary.

Speakers at the event highlighted the need to create an environment where Nepali students can gain quality education, skills and international experience abroad and eventually contribute to Nepal’s development after returning home.

The AGM was chaired by NEXA President Santosh Khanal, while Ganesh Poudel, Member of Parliament from the Rastriya Swatantra Party and Coordinator of the Education Subcommittee under the parliamentary committee, attended as the chief guest. Dr. Jeevan Khanal, Dr. Niranjan Koirala and Dr. Bibek Tamang, who completed their PhD studies in South Korea and have established themselves professionally in Nepal, attended as special guests.

Senior Vice President Ashish Kunwar, in his welcome remarks, said NEXA had succeeded in establishing itself as a member-oriented association within its first year. He thanked members and stakeholders for their support, cooperation and constructive suggestions.

Sharing his experience of studying and working in South Korea, Dr. Jeevan Khanal said Nepal could not achieve sustainable prosperity unless students returning from abroad brought back knowledge, skills and expertise. He recalled working various jobs, including washing dishes, while pursuing his PhD and stressed that no form of honest work should be considered inferior. He also emphasized the importance of creating “learn while you earn” opportunities in Nepal.

Dr. Niranjan Koirala shared his experience of overcoming language and cultural challenges while studying in South Korea. He praised the role of educational consultants in language education and the Korean Embassy in facilitating scholarship opportunities for Nepali students. He said stronger policies, better valuation of human resources and improved living and working opportunities in Nepal would be essential to encourage skilled people to return.

Similarly, Dr. Bibek Tamang said Nepal should not focus on preventing students from going abroad but rather on ensuring that the knowledge, skills and experience they gain internationally can be effectively utilized in Nepal. He highlighted the contribution of Korean universities and professors to his own decision to return home and said Nepal could learn significantly from South Korea in education, technology and management.

NEXA Advisor Siddhi Baral recalled his own experience of going to South Korea and advocating for the rights and welfare of Nepali workers. He stressed the importance of collaboration among the government, educational institutions, consultants and other stakeholders to encourage Nepali students and skilled professionals to return home.

Chief Guest Ganesh Poudel said students going abroad should pursue quality education and return with knowledge, skills and experience that can contribute to national development. He emphasized the need to expand opportunities for young people to study and earn within Nepal and said the government should work with stakeholders to create a more conducive environment.

Addressing the AGM, NEXA President Santosh Khanal presented an overview of the association’s establishment, activities and challenges facing Nepal’s educational consultancy sector. He said NEXA had worked not only to support its members but also to assist students and parents facing difficulties abroad. The association has also contributed to the maintenance and restoration of police facilities, including Ranipokhari Police Circle and other police posts.

Khanal stressed that the consultancy sector needs effective regulation, but unnecessary control is not acceptable. He called for stronger coordination between the government and education consultancy businesses and said responsibilities concerning students should be shared among all relevant stakeholders.

The AGM endorsed the annual report presented by General Secretary Ganesh Belbase and the financial report presented by Treasurer Sandeep Tiwari. Certificates were also presented to life members and general members of the association.

The programme was moderated by journalist Sangita Katuwal.