KATHMANDU, NEPAL, APRIL 30, 2024 – During its 2024 Project Kickoff Meet, Learning, Innovation, and Knowledge Exchange (LIKE) joined the Kathmandu University School of Arts (KUSOA) in celebrating the commencement of the 36-month research endeavor “Promoting Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in Schools Building on What Children Value and Aspire to Do and Be”. The project, a collaborative effort under the LIKE Lab, is generously funded by the International Development Research Center (IDRC) and the Global Partnership for Education Knowledge and Innovation Exchange (GPE KIX).
The meeting hosted 24 passionate participants from diverse backgrounds including NGOs, academia, and research sectors, all unified in their commitment to advancing gender equality and social inclusion within educational settings. Notably, the attendee composition was equally split between 12 male and 12 female representatives, signaling a significant stride toward fostering gender balance and inclusivity from the project’s onset.
The proceedings started with a warm welcome from the Acting Dean of KUSOA, Ms. Ekku Maya Pun, setting a collaborative and engaging tone for the session. Prof. Dr. Mahesh Banskota, Senior Faculty at KUSOA, introduced the role of GPE KIX and shared insightful perspectives on the project’s objectives, underscoring academia’s pivotal role in addressing societal challenges.
Dr. Binayak Krishna Thapa, the Principal Investigator of the project, took the stage to elucidate the project’s overarching goals, emphasizing the holistic approach of integrating children’s values and aspirations into strategies for promoting gender equality and social inclusion. Research Fellow Isha Karki then provided a detailed outline of the research framework and highlighted the anticipated deliverables.
Vibrant discussions underscored the participants’ profound interest and dedication to the project’s success throughout the meeting. The consensus reached emphasized the critical need for formalized communication channels, clear delineation of roles and responsibilities, and robust collaborations with stakeholders at all levels.
In encapsulating the essence of this pivotal kickoff meeting, it’s evident that Kathmandu University School of Art’s LIKE Lab is poised to make significant strides in advancing gender equality and social inclusion within educational landscapes, leveraging collective expertise and a shared commitment to transformative change.
