Japanese organisation provides US$ 38,000 to UNHCR’s Nepal programme

April 5, 2006
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Shinnyo-en, a Japanese non-governmental organisation, has contributed US$ 38,462 to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for the latter’s primary education programme for Bhutanese refugees in Nepal this year.

Welcoming the contribution, UNHCR’s Nepal representative, Abraham Abraham, said, “We wish to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude to Shinnyo-en for this generous contribution.” “This valuable support has been both reliable and encouraging,” a press statement issued by the UNHCR quoted him as saying.

Shinnyo-en has been supporting the Bhutanese refugee education programme since 2001.

Primary and secondary education is provided to all refugee children residing in seven camps in eastern Nepal. “This education programme is one of UNHCR’s best camp-run educational systems with both boys and girls given equal opportunity for both primary and secondary education,” said Abraham.

UNHCR has said almost 100 percent children between 5-17 years are enrolled in the English medium schools operated in the camps. Out them, 51 percent are girls.

There are currently 18 sector schools, 15 extension schools and 9 main schools operating in seven refugee camps. The refugee agency funds primary education up to Grade 8 with CARITAS-Nepal implementing the programme with support from refugees. Grades 9 and 10 are funded by CARITAS-Nepal, which also provides financial assistance to a limited number of students to pursue higher secondary education, according to the UNHCR.

In Nepal, the refugee agency provides international protection and assistance to some 106,000 Bhutanese refugees who have been living in eastern Nepal since early 1990’s. 15 rounds of negotiations between the Nepalese and Bhutanese governments have ended in deadlock. nepalnews.com mk Apr 05 06