Shanta Adhikari
Sailaja Acharya Memorial Polytechnic Institute— affiliated to CTEVT— was established in 2058 BS in collaboration with the Government of Nepal for short-term skill-based vocational training to people of bucolic areas in order to enable them to earn their living. As a result, it earned popularity and reputation within a short span of time. The institute commenced nursing (staff nurse) program in 2066 BS, PJTA in 2070 BS and VJTA in 2072 BS. Currently, it offers seven programs of technical education including Agriculture Plant Science & Veterinary and Health. The institute is also recognized by Nepal Nursing Council and Nepal Health Professional Council.
What are the established benchmarks of quality education at Shaileja Acharya Poli Technical Institute?
It is a technical institution established in partnership with the Government of Nepal and Trust. Currently, there are six like-minded institutions established with the same motive. Mostly, the institution emphasizes on equal rights to marginalized groups to make them independent, helps them stand on their own feet, particularly for students from rural and backward areas. In addition, the institution’s legacy of quality education impartation has been retained till date. Moreover, the academic results of the institution are outstanding and the graduates are both employed and self-employed. This could be true there is a high demand of graduates with veterinary, agriculture and nursing qualifications. Another important feature of this institution incorporates the team of faculty which is qualified, dedicated and highly experienced. Moreover, any candidates who want to join the institution as teachers have to undergo a fair selection process.
What are your further plans for strengthening this institution?
We have planned to run diploma pharmacy program and strengthen the existing seven programs. Similarly, we are planning to give more emphasis on practical field and provide short term skill-oriented programs to make our pupils independent. In addition, our community approach will be extended to the maximum number of rural areas.
How is the cooperation of CTEVT with your institution with regard to its programs?
The institute was established in 2058 BS in partnership with CTEVT which has been extending good cooperation to its affiliates in order to strengthen their academic practices. Similarly, there was another agreement in 2070 BS which has enabled us to go ahead with a range of CTEVT programs. Moreover, the CTEVT has also provided the institute with financial aid for infrastructural development. Of late, the CTEVT has established its offices in all seven provinces which has made easier for us to approach this organization for student enrollment from various parts of the country.
The government highly prioritizes practical and vocational education which should be about 70% whereas general education should cover only 30%. How will your partnership with CTEVT go ahead?
The policy of government is really praiseworthy. If we compare contributions of government-funded with that of private-run educational institutions in terms of general education, the private sector outweighs the government; however, in terms of medical and technical education, the contributions of government and community-based institutions are higher than that of private institutions. The success stories of TU affiliate medical colleges corroborate my claim. So, our partnership will be stronger and more beneficial even in changing scenarios. We believe technical and vocational education becomes much better and more effective if the government involves in it.
In your experience, how should CTEVT move ahead for better academic upshots?
The CTEVT is playing quite a praiseworthy role in enhancing quality in the sector of vocational education. So, for better upshots of the CTEVT programs, it should provide better curricula and more secure examination system. It should also provide teacher training for the enhancement of quality of education in Nepal.
Would you like to convey any message at last?
Technical education is the need of the present world. It is extremely essential for the prosperity of the nation since it produces skilled human resources. The media like yours should play a significant role in providing right information to the general public about the importance of vocational and technical education for an appealing career.
