Nepal: lessons from integrating peace, human rights, and civic education into social studies curricula and textbooks

This case study examines the process undertaken by the Ministry of Education (MoE) in collaboration with development partners to revise the social studies curriculum in Nepal. The aim was to promote education for peace, human rights, and civic education (PHRCE) in the wake of a 10-year Maoist insurgency and the transition to a democratic republic. It provides a critical analysis of the process, synthesizing information from two assessments of the initiative, and makes recommendations for the future based on challenges and gaps identified by stakeholders. The study also provides recommendations to countries in post-conflict transition which are interested in undertaking similar curriculum reform initiatives.

Information is drawn from a number of reports and programme documents developed by the implementing partners, as well as 12 interviews with individuals involved in the process of curriculum reform. Interviewees included representatives of the major agencies involved in the revision process: the MoE’s Curriculum Development Centre, the National Centre for Education Development, Save the Children, UNESCO, and UNICEF. In addition, interviews were conducted with representatives of civil society and non-governmental agencies supporting peace education and representing marginalized groups, and the external international consultant who provided technical assistance.