Kathmandu, Sept. 8 -- For nearly 18 months, regular educational activities of children across Nepalhave been disrupted.The closure of schools to reduce the spread of Covid-19 hasamplifiedthe many other ways the pandemic has eroded the academic and social experiences of students, and with this, their mental wellbeing.

The impact of this will be felt for many years by the students themselves and nationally, as Nepal's economy, like other countries,witnesses a reduced rate of economic return.

Children from poorer familiesand those in remote parts of Nepalhave been especiallyaffected. The pandemic has laid bareinequality in access to education.

The Nepal government'sStudents' Learning Facilitation Guidelines 2020notesthat a large number of...