Kathmandu, August 27
The Private and Boarding Schools’ Organisation Nepal (PABSON) and KUMON Nepal, a Japanese education program, signed a promotion partnership agreement on Wednesday in Kathmandu, with the objective of introducing KUMON’s student-centred self-learning method to PABSON member schools and supporting their efforts to improve the quality of education.
“Nepal’s private schools have been continuously exploring effective and innovative learning approaches that can improve educational quality and prepare students to face the demands of the emerging digital era. In this context, the need for a learning method that places students at the centre of the learning process and develops their ability to learn independently has become increasingly important,” reads the statement of KUMON.
KUMON, with over 70 years of history, operates in over 60 countries and supports around four million students worldwide. Its core philosophy is to develop the ability to learn independently, rather than simply teaching students what to learn.
According to KUMON, the self-learning method focuses on developing concentration, discipline, confidence, regular learning habits, problem-solving skills, and independent learning ability. It is designed to complement regular school education by strengthening students’ learning habits and encouraging them to take greater responsibility for their own learning.
Through the partnership, PABSON and KUMON Nepal will introduce and promote awareness of the KUMON student-centred self-learning method among PABSON member schools, enabling interested schools to explore the approach as part of their efforts to enhance educational quality.
The agreement was signed by PABSON President Krishna Adhikari and Ganesh Man Lama, Chairman of IGC Business Holding, in the presence of PABSON members and representatives from KUMON partner schools.
Sharing his personal experience with KUMON, PABSON President Adhikari said that he was first introduced to KUMON during a visit to the USA in 2008. He was impressed by how KUMON helped students, including his own children, develop strong academic skills, confidence, and independent learning habits. Nearly 18 years later, after learning that KUMON had been introduced in Nepal, he decided to introduce the program at his own school and expressed his happiness at being part of the KUMON journey.
The event brought together education leaders and representatives from different schools to discuss the future of mathematics education and the changing needs of students. The gathering emphasised the shared message: “Education is Evolving, and So Do We.”
Speaking at the ceremony, Ganesh Man Lama emphasised that education should not be limited to examination results and academic marks. He highlighted the importance of developing students who can learn, think, solve problems, and continue learning independently throughout their lives.
He further emphasised that the objective of introducing KUMON in Nepal is not simply to expand KUMON centres, but to provide more students with opportunities to develop self-learning habits through schools. He expressed his belief that the partnership with PABSON can help make this approach accessible to more schools and students across Nepal.
