The first mega education and career fair jointly organised by the Kantipur Publications and the Higher Secondary Schools’ Association Nepal (Hissan) concluded on Saturday with an overwhelming presence of students and parents.

A total of 226,351 people visited the four-day event at the Exhibition Hall of Bhrikutimandap. The number, which was 25,000 on the opening day, doubled on the second day. Similarly, 75,000 people visited the fair on Saturday while the mass was 76,351-strong on the concluding day. The organisers said they had expected just around 200,000 footfalls.

“I am excited to see the flow of students. No education fair in our history had witnessed such a huge mass,” said SP Singh, chairman of Pentagon College. Apart from regular sessions, three seminars were held by renowned education and management experts on Sunday. Anil Shah and RC Lamichhane from Nepal and the Swiss Erissa Ramos gave their lectures on management and higher education.

Thousands of students visited the stalls of various colleges and entrance preparation centres to learn about the courses of their interest and educational ventures available in the country. The number was dominated by the School Leaving Certificate (SLC)-appeared students followed by those awaiting Grade 12 results. Most of the students that descended on the expo were interested about science and management courses in the Plus Two level and technical and management courses such as Engineering, Nursing, Paramedics, BBA, Hotel Management and Travel and Tourism in the bachelor’s level. Sixty colleges affiliated to foreign universities and various entrance preparation centres showcased their services and products from 71 stalls.

The exhibition conducted to promote national educational institutes offered students various options available in line with their needs and ambitions. The fair with the slogan “Excellent Education in Nepal” was aimed at imparting the message that domestic institutions are competent enough to provide international-level degrees at home.

Four winners got tablet computers in lucky draws during the four-day event while dozens of others were awarded gift hampers. The organisers have announced 100 full and partial scholarships for those selected from a lucky draw. The names will be announced later.

source: the kathmandu post,19 may 2013