Honorary Consul of the Republic of Zambia-Nepal to strengthen KU-Zambia ties

An interaction programme with the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Zambia to Nepal, Desh Bandhu Basnet (Ajit), was held on September 10 at Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel. The interaction, which began with a short presentation by Associate Dean of School of Engineering of KU, Brijesh Adhikary, reviewed the past and explored the possible future collaboration between Zambia and Kathmandu University. Adhikari’s presentation stated that Nepal has a high potential to be an educational hub not only for Zambia but also for other African students. As there are already 19 Kathmandu University graduates working in different sectors in Zambia, the participants suggested to mobilise them to be ambassadors to popularise KU in the region. Officials highlighted KU’s new policies such as the decision to promote enrolment of foreign students in all disciplines with 10% seat reservation, provision to offer fee waiver and local accommodation to those foreign students who work under KU professors and associate professors as research fellows, and stated that these initiates should be shared with student communities within Zambia and Africa to attract more students to Nepal. Both teams agreed to identify common interests and formulate a framework to move ahead for future collaboration. Engaging NRNs with Kathmandu University to strengthen its academic excellence, creating an environment to learn from each other in the technical and vocational education between Zambian universities and KU, exploring possible collaboration in the fields of mining, energy sector, and technology transfer were major themes discussed.