UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

09/12/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/12/2025 07:39

Building Digital Bridges: Community Learning Centers in Nepal Embracing Technologies

In today's digital era, Community Learning Centers are undergoing a transformation. As communities increasingly rely on technology for education, communication, and access to services, the digital competencies of facilitators in these centres are more vital than ever. Enhancing the skills of the facilitators isn't just about efficiency; it's about creating a ripple effect that touches every learner, household, and community they serve.

"Modern technology is developing rapidly. Not having access to digital knowledge is like living a difficult life, separate from the rest of the world," said Chhatra Bahadur Sahi, Education Officer of Bansgadi Municipality. He emphasized how common digital tools, from WhatsApp and Gmail to Google Classroom and Generative AI platforms, are reshaping informal education. For him, learning how to navigate online platforms securely was a turning point. "For me, the most important achievement is the development of self-confidence and the ability to identify and use digital tools. This will help increase access to education for people with disabilities or from marginalized communities," says Dumbar Kumari Rokaya, Branch Officer of Barahatal Rural Municipality, Surkhet, recalling a workshop provided by UNESCO in collaboration with the Center for Education and Human Resource Development.

Samjhana Chhantyal Pun from Ratnechaur CLC, Myagdi district providing lessons to CLC members in open space
Meanwhile, facilitators like Samjhana Chhantyal Pun from Ratnechaur CLC, Myagdi are focusing on equipping learners with the basics. She plans to teach her community members how to use smartphones, connect to Wi-Fi, and explore online resources. "The most important achievement of this training is that I can now support people with disabilities and marginalized groups by providing online education and training tailored to their needs. It gives them the opportunity to learn from home," she said.

Samjhana Chhantyal pun in her CLC
Samjhana/UNESCO
While for some such capacity development training has been useful to boost their confidence and make their work more efficient, for others, the focus has been on finding creative ways to deliver lessons.

The training also enhanced understanding and use of practical tools that facilitators were already applying in their communities. Srijana Neupane, a CLC facilitator from Rupendehi, highlighted the use of AI to generate PowerPoint slides. "It makes preparing lessons faster and more engaging. This new knowledge will help me raise awareness and involve those who are often excluded from mainstream education," she said.

Madhav Prasad Chaudhary from Laxi CLC in Saptari district shared how he learned to convert PowerPoint presentations into short videos, making lessons engaging and accessible.
"Everyone likes watching videos. I can now prepare educational materials in this format and use them in discussions with learners. This will be particularly impactful for marginalized groups and persons with disabilities, who can join through Zoom or watch videos from their homes."

Madhav Chaudhary from Laxmi CLC
Madhav/UNESCO
Beyond teaching techniques, the training emphasized digital safety. Rima Gurung stressed that one of her biggest gains was learning how to protect herself and others from cybercrime. "Being digitally literate isn't just about using tools; it's about using them responsibly. These skills will bring long-term positive changes to our communities," she noted.

The impact of building digital competency among Community Learning Centers facilitators extends beyond the centres. It reaches diverse individuals and their communities. At the individual level, it boosts confidence and independence. At the community level, it speeds up information sharing, ensures access to services, and fosters inclusion. At the societal level, it strengthens education systems and bridges inequalities.

As Dumbar Kumari put it, "Digital literacy increases a person's self-confidence. When someone can use a phone, computer, or the internet, they feel capable. This skill is the main foundation for building the future."

In Nepal's Community Learning Centers, the story of digital transformation is only beginning, but its promise and mission are clear. By investing in facilitators' digital capacity, communities aren't just adapting to a changing world; they are preparing every individual, regardless of their background, to thrive in it.

A CLC facilitator speaking at the Digital Competency enhancing workshop organized in August 2025.
CLC facilitator speaking at the NFE digital competency enhancing workshop
UNESCO
The support to Community Learning Centers in Nepal is part of UNESCO Capacity Development for Education (CapED) programme. The CapED programme is a global initiative, active since 2003, with a focus on 20 least developed countries. By leveraging UNESCO's technical expertise in coordination with partners, the initiative provides countries with the capacities they need to achieve national education priorities that reflect internationally agreed goals to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all. It also supports countries in the development of new robust education policies, more gender-sensitive curricula, high quality education staff, and better access to vocational training. 

Note: This story is based on interviews with Community Learning Centers facilitators and local education officers. The interviews were conducted during the 'Enhancing Digital Competencies of Non-Formal Education Stakeholders' capacity-building workshop held from 3-6 August 2025.
UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization published this content on September 12, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on September 12, 2025 at 13:39 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]