August 10: The Government of Nepal and the European Union (EU) signed a financing agreement entitled "Supporting Nepal's School Sector Development Plan" on August 9. This Agreement reinforces the cooperation between the EU and Nepal by continuing to support the promotion of inclusive and equitable quality education for all in addition to the ongoing joint initiatives on rural development, earthquake recovery, and governance, states a press release issued by the EU.

"We very much appreciate that the EU contribution uses directly government channels, because this brings down transaction costs and enhances coordination,'' said Finance Secretary Shanta Rah Subedi, who signed the agreement on behalf of the government of Nepal.

''This financing agreement provides the Government of Nepal with an important EU contribution to poverty reduction and socio-economic development in Nepal by raising educational access and achievements of the young generation on an equitable basis,'' said the EU Ambassador Rensje Teerink. She emphasized the importance of implementation and adequate financing for quality outcomes and stressed the need for continued collaboration and coordination between the efforts undertaken through the education sector recovery plan and overseen by the National Reconstruction Authority and the regular implementation and strengthening of school safety nationwide.

 

The EU's action in support of the School Sector Development Plan (SSDP) will assist the Government of Nepal in implementing the SSDP through providing financial and technical support to improving the management and service delivery in the education sector. It combines EUR 56.5 million of sector budget support with EUR 4.9 million of complementary measures (including capacity building and technical assistance).

With this programme the EU will join Nepal and other Development Partners through a sector-wide approach in building on the successes of the previous