Building the future of education in Nepal
Every child deserves an education that prepares them for the future. Behind every inspired learner stands an inspired teacher. Every teacher deserves the opportunity to keep learning, growing and inspiring the next generation.
That belief brought together a group of passionate teachers in Nepal. What started as a shared vision has grown into a movement for educational innovation that continues to inspire teachers, schools and educational partners across Nepal. Today, that movement is led by two closely connected initiatives.
The foundation
NFORSDT
The non-profit foundation that provides vision, governance and long-term commitment.
The centre
NICE
The NFORSDT Innovation Centre for Education: the foundation’s flagship initiative where learning, innovation and collaboration come together.
Together, they are shaping the future of education in Nepal.
About NFORSDT
A foundation with a vision
The National Foundation for the Skill Development of Teachers (NFORSDT) was established in 2011 by a group of dedicated Nepalese educational leaders who believed that improving education begins with empowering teachers.
Since then, NFORSDT has become a leading organisation for teacher professional development, educational innovation and international collaboration. Working together with schools, universities, governments and educational partners, the foundation helps teachers develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to create better learning opportunities for every child.
Our history
Every movement starts with a story
2007
A meeting in Pokhara
Prem Bahadur Kunwar met the Dutch professor Bert Thole, who was teaching at a primary school in Pokhara. They discovered a common belief: lasting educational change begins with inspired and well-prepared teachers.
2009
Inspiration in the Netherlands
Prem visited Bert at KPZ University of Applied Sciences, experienced child-centred teaching and saw the power of professional learning communities. A long-term collaboration between Nepalese and Dutch teachers began.
2010
The first internship exchange
The first internship exchange between KPZ University and Pokhara schools took place.
2011
NFORSDT is founded
The National Foundation for the Skill Development of Teachers was established. In the Netherlands, Bert Thole and Theo Hulshof started Stichting THEOLE under KPZ University.
ToT
Training of Trainers
A two-year Training of Trainers programme for principals and teachers introduced a multiplier approach: trained teachers became trainers and mentors for others. Through the Star and Satellite School network, a professional learning community grew across Gandaki Province.
2017
Teachers in Europe and the first STAR schools
Eleven teachers and principals from five schools joined Teachers in Europe (TIE) in the Netherlands, sharing the platform with 150 teachers from 16 European nations. Five schools were awarded STAR school status by KPZ rector Jan Heijmans.
2019
Teachers in Pokhara (TIP)
NFORSDT organised Nepal’s own international teacher conference, where global educational ideas met Nepal’s curriculum, culture and classroom practice.
COVID-19
Learning never stopped
NFORSDT supported teachers with digital technologies, online professional development and practical guidance, helping schools keep learning going.
Today
A new chapter: NICE
Theo Hulshof, Bert Thole and Gertine Vorstelman, working on a sustainable THEOLE-NFORSDT teacher training course, visited the Wilde Ganzen Foundation. What started as a “Teacher Resource Centre” became the NFORSDT Innovation Centre for Education. Money raised with Stichting THEOLE and many Dutch and Belgian friends is matched by Wilde Ganzen to double the impact.
Our projects
What we work on
- NFORSDT Innovation Centre for Education (NICE)
- Teachers in Pokhara II (TIP-II)
- Dream Big
- Teacher training programmes
- Teacher Bank
- International exchange initiatives
Each project contributes in its own way to improving education and expanding opportunities for teachers and learners across Nepal.
Dream Big
Purpose of the grant
The grant is awarded exclusively for the Dream Big project: the NFORSDT Innovation Centre for Education (NICE) and Teachers in Pokhara II (TIP-II). It funds:
- Teacher Resource Centres in Pokhara and Nisikhola
- Educational resources, books, ICT equipment, furniture and teaching-learning materials
- Professional development, workshops, seminars and conferences
- Digital and physical teaching resources
- Capacity building of teachers and school leaders
- Project coordination, monitoring, documentation, evaluation and reporting
Our partners
Educational transformation is built on collaboration
From the very beginning, NFORSDT has believed that lasting change happens when teachers, schools, organisations and communities work together.
Stichting THEOLE
The Netherlands. A trusted strategic partner since the start, connecting Dutch and Nepalese teachers through training programmes, exchanges and a train-the-trainer approach that keeps growing.
KPZ University of Applied Sciences
The Netherlands. Shaped our philosophy: child-centred learning, active teaching and international exchanges. Together we recognised Star Schools and laid the foundation for TIP.
Wilde Ganzen
The Netherlands. Supporting the next phase: investing in NICE, the Dream Big project and TIP-II, and turning years of experience into a sustainable ecosystem.
21Futureproof
The Netherlands. Organisation and leadership specialists and implementing partner, supporting the development of NICE and the organisation of TIP-II.
Educational partners
Schools, principals, teachers, universities and local education authorities across Nepal form the foundation of our work.
International and local partners
Local governments, NGOs, development organisations and international experts who share our commitment to quality education.
The people who set our direction
Board of Directors
Prem Bahadur Kunwar
President and Founding Secretary
Bishnu Prasad Timilsina
Founding Vice President / IPP
Salik Ram Adhikari
Founding President / PP
Bishwo Raj Banstola
Past President
Sashidhar Baral
Secretary
Shova Mishya Adhikari
Treasurer, founding member
Shila Thapa
Founding / Executive Board member
Govinda Gautam
Executive Board member
Naresh Timilsina
Executive Board member
Kul Prasad Adhikari
Executive Board member
Rakashjya Bahadur Khatri
Executive Board member
Madhavi Banstola
Executive Board member
ShreeKrishna Adhikari
Executive Board member
Advisory board
Professor Timilsina
Advisory Board
Chandra Kanta Regmi
Campus Chief, Shiva Shakti Campus
About NICE
From vision to action
NICE is the foundation’s flagship initiative and operational hub. It turns NFORSDT’s vision into practical action, with a permanent place where teachers can learn, collaborate, innovate and inspire one another. It is more than a centre. It is a growing movement for educational innovation in Nepal.
Inspire
Igniting the passion to learn
We awaken passion, curiosity and purpose in teachers.
Innovate
Turning ideas into better education
We transform ideas into meaningful educational practice through learning, collaboration and innovation.
Impact
Creating lasting change
By empowering teachers, we strengthen schools, prepare students for the future and contribute to thriving communities across Nepal.
Our team
The operational team
NICE is led by a dedicated team responsible for the day-to-day development of the centre: Sashi, Subash, Bishwo, Prem and Franka. Short biographies are coming soon.
At its heart is the operational team, surrounded by a growing network of experienced teachers, subject experts, the NFORSDT Board of Directors and international partners.
Our location
Visit us in Pokhara
NICE
Bhasker Memorial School Building, 5th Floor
Phulbari, Pokhara-1, Kaski
Contact office
KarmaFlights Foundation Nepal complex, Street 23
Bangladi, Lakeside, Pokhara-6, Kaski
Looking ahead
NICE is the next chapter in NFORSDT’s journey. It is where ideas become action. Where teachers inspire one another. Where innovation becomes everyday practice. And where together we shape the future of education in Nepal.