The first education fair organised jointly by the Kantipur Publications and the Higher Secondary Schools Association (HISSAN) kicked off on Thursday with an overwhelming participation of students.

The four-day mega event being held at the Exhibition Hall in Bhrikutimandap was inaugurated by Hem Kumar Mishra, vice-chairman of the Higher Secondary Education Board. More than 60 academic institutions from across the country are taking part in the “Kantipur-HISSAN Edu Fair 2013” that aims at promoting domestic education.

Addressing the inaugural session, Mishra heaped praise on the Kantipur Publications and the HISSAN for imparting a message that domestic institutions are capable of providing quality education. “The country has made impressive strides in the academic sector, both in quantity and quality.”

The fair with the slogan “Excellent Education in Nepal” has focused on providing an appropriate platform to students and their parents in choosing the right subject and colleges. The exhibition provides students with an opportunity to select various options available in line with their needs and ambitions under one roof.

Speaking at the function, Ramesh Silwal, HISSAN vice-chairman, said the fair is too good to miss. “This is an initiation to develop harmony among private academic institutions and end the existing unfair competition.” He hoped that such a trend will promote competition with cooperation among the private institutions.

The organisers said the fair, on its first day, received a crowd of over 25,000 with most of them the students waiting for SLC and Grade 12 results. While the SLC appeared students were interested in acquiring knowledge about the benefits of studying the subjects of their choice, those waiting in the wings for Grade 12 results were inquiring about technical and management courses, according to the organisers.

“We are overwhelmed by the huge influx of students on the very first day. The number will exceed our expectations,” said Yubaraj Sharma, HISSAN general secretary. Around 200,000 footfalls are expected in the first academic fair of this season that will conclude on May 19. The organisers said around 100 full and partial scholarships will be provided to the students chosen through a random lucky draw.

One lucky visitor will be provided with a tablet every day, while the number of gift hampers will also be distributed on a daily basis. Apart from the regular sessions, seminars on the existing academic system and status is another feature of the event. It also boasts a psychological counseling session. Considered the country’s biggest fair, the event brought together a significant number of institutes from across the country together with their counselors. Sharma, also coordinator of the event, said the fair provides a complete package solution to all problems students face while choosing higher education courses. “The fair has featured colleges offering a wide range of courses to help students find the one that best fits their expectations and affordability,” said Rachana Sharma, a participant who is waiting for her Grade 12 results.

source:the kathmandu post,16 may 2013