6th Annual General Meeting and Convention of AAERI Nepal Held with Enthusiasm

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EDUCAST, The 6th Annual General Meeting and Convention of the Association of Australian Education Representatives in Nepal (AAERI Nepal) was held on August 2, 2024. The event began with a warm welcome to esteemed guests, accompanied by the national anthems of Nepal and Australia.

The formal speeches commenced with an introduction video of AAERI Nepal, which highlighted its mission to ensure credibility, integrity, and ethical practices among Nepalese education agents working with Australian education providers. Founded on June 7, 2018, AAERI Nepal operates as a non-profit organization under the Government of Nepal.

Mr. Dwiraj Sharma, President of AAERI Nepal, presented the Road Map for AAERI’s upcoming tenure from 2024 to 2026. Following this, Mr. Ananta Poudyal, President of ANAA (Association of Nepalese Alumni from Australia), shared insights on the contributions of Australian alumni to Nepal.

Ms. Anushka Shrestha, the Regional Manager for the Australian Catholic University (ACU) in Nepal, represented Australian universities. She shared her experience as an international student in Australia and now working for the same university in Nepal. Mr. Mahesh Babu Timalsina, Immediate Past President (IPP) of AAERI Nepal, presented about the Nepalese perspectives on Australian education and visas.

Representatives from the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), Ms. Jade Donney and Ms. Catherine, presented facts and figures about the Migration Strategy. They expressed positive notes on the improved quality of Nepalese students’ visa applications.

Professor Dr. Subarna Lal Bajracharya, Vice Chancellor of Lumbini Buddhist University, contemplated the possibility of reverse migration from around the world to Nepal to study unique courses such as Buddhism. Mr. Surya Karki, Country Director and Co-Founder of United World Schools (UWS) in Nepal, discussed global education’s risks and rewards upon returning to Nepal.

The evening culminated with an address from Her Excellency Felicity Volk, Ambassador of Australia to Nepal. Ambassador Volk reflected on her tenure and the strengthening of educational and diplomatic relations between the two countries. A farewell video honored her contributions, followed by a token of love and appreciation presented by President Sharma and Immediate Past President Timalsina.

The event concluded with the distribution of certificates and tokens of love to all speakers, sponsors, and guests, and a gratitude message from Vice President Buddhi Sagar Aryal. Attendees then enjoyed a networking dinner, fostering further connections and discussions on future collaborations.