Mr. Surya Karki is an influential entrepreneur and education advocate with significant roles in Nepal’s educational and economic sectors. He is a key member of the Education Committee Council at the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) and the Education Development Committee at the Ministry of Social Development State 1, where he influences educational policies and initiatives.
As co-founder and director of UWS Nepal, Mr. Karki is dedicated to improving educational access and quality for underserved communities. His leadership in UWS reflects his commitment to advancing educational opportunities.
Mr. Karki’s academic background includes studies in International Business and Economics at Tsinghua University, Economics at the College of the Atlantic, and a master’s degree as a Schwarzman Scholar in China. His extensive education and experience highlight his dedication to both economic and educational development in Nepal.
Mr. Surya Karki’s Educational Journey: From Local Schools to Global Impact
In 2011,Mr. Surya Karki alongside his friends, played a pivotal role in establishing Tanahu’s first free private school. This initiative marked a significant milestone in the region’s educational landscape, aimed at providing accessible and quality education to underserved communities. The collaborative effort showcased a commitment to fostering educational opportunities where none existed before, reflecting a deep-rooted belief in the transformative power of learning.
Building on this momentum, Mr. Surya Karki later founded the Diyalo Foundation in America with a mission to advance educational reform and innovation. Upon returning to Nepal, Mr. Surya Karki continued his dedication to education by focusing on local projects, leveraging his international experience to drive meaningful change. His journey underscores a profound commitment to improving educational access and quality, both locally and globally.
Overcoming Barriers to Education: Insights from Surya Karki
Historically, obtaining a proper education has posed a significant challenge for many students. Factors such as the distance of schools from homes, impoverished family backgrounds, and the educational limitations of parents have all contributed to the barriers faced by learners.
Mr. Surya Karki emphasizes that education is one of the most valuable investments an individual can make. He underscores the transformative power of learning—not only as a means of acquiring knowledge but also as a crucial tool for empowering individuals and uplifting entire communities.
Mr. Surya Karki believes that acknowledging the critical role of education is the first step in addressing systemic issues that impede access and ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive.
United World Schools (UWS): Advancing Education for Disadvantaged Children
UWS Nepal, established in 2015, focuses on enhancing educational opportunities for disadvantaged and marginalised children. The organisation aims to provide quality, inclusive education in underserved and hard-to-reach areas, addressing geographical and cultural barriers and promoting sustainable communities, in line with UN SDG 4.
Mr. Surya Karki explains that UWS Nepal’s primary goal is to build and manage state of the art schools in rural regions. These schools provide safe and encouraging learning environments.
The organisation collaborates with local governments and communities to construct schools with essential facilities and foster community ownership. Programs include forming School Retention Teams, providing resources, and training local teachers to ensure education is locally relevant.
Tackling Dropout Rates and Strengthening Education in Nepal
Mr. Surya Karki highlights dropout rates as a critical issue impacting children’s futures and community development. High dropout rates often indicate problems like inadequate resources and lack of support. Addressing these issues is essential for providing quality education, breaking the cycle of poverty, and fostering long-term educational and socio-economic progress.
He also notes that many individuals in the sector lack personal gain, which can affect motivation and hinder progress. Improved support and recognition are needed to sustain their efforts and complete important work.
Local governments, initially varied in their perspectives on education, have shown notable improvement since the 2072 reforms. UWS, under Mr. Surya Karki’s leadership, is committed to transforming the NGO sector by ensuring effective fund use and focusing on high-quality schools. They collaborate with local governments to match investments and address teacher shortages.
UWS provides comprehensive teacher training, including pre-service, in-service, and post-service programs, alongside leadership development for principals and school management committees. Despite supporting 14,000 students, around 500,000 remain underserved. UWS, driven by Mr. Surya Karki’s vision, aims to expand its efforts in areas with strong community commitment, working towards quality education throughout Nepal.
Empowering Youth for Nepal’s Transformation
Mr. Surya Karki envisions a transformative future for Nepal driven by its youth. He believes that if young people unite and harness their collective potential, they can bring about significant change swiftly. Karki advocates for a model where youth are central to organisations, engaging in both comprehensive educational programs and leadership roles as project fellows. This approach aims to nurture leadership skills and ensure that youth-led initiatives make a meaningful impact.
Mr. Surya Karki vision extends beyond short-term gains; he sees it as an investment in a brighter future. While current conditions may pose challenges, he emphasises the need for unity and sustained effort. Despite these hurdles, Mr. Surya Karki remains optimistic that with determination and collective action, real transformation is achievable.
Furthermore, Mr. Surya Karki places his greatest hopes in young people who, whether working abroad or locally, remain committed to contributing positively to Nepal. He is encouraged by their dedication and sees social media as a powerful tool to amplify their voices. Ultimately, Mr. Surya Karki believes that the future of Nepal’s progress lies with the passionate and engaged youth of today.
Conclusion
Mr. Surya Karki demonstrates the impact that dedicated leadership and vision can have on education and community development. His work through UWS Nepal and other initiatives highlights his unwavering commitment to overcoming educational barriers and empowering the next generation. By fostering educational access and quality, addressing dropout rates, and supporting youth leadership, Mr. Karki is not only transforming individual lives but also shaping the future of Nepal. His belief in the power of education and the potential of young people underscores a hopeful and dynamic path forward for the country.
To gain a deeper understanding of Mr. Surya Karki’s initiatives and their impact, Consult Nepal has prepared an insightful video that captures the essence of his work and vision. It shows his work in improving education, the challenges he’s faced, and the success stories of people who have benefited. The video highlights his dedication to changing education and helping Nepal’s youth. Watch it to learn more about his impact and join the effort for a better future in Nepal.