International Scout Volunteers Group (ISVG) Nepal and Shanghai Haishan Culture Media Co Limited have reached an understanding to promote Chinese language and facilitate cultural exchange with Nepal.

Subject to approval from the Social Welfare Council, the Kathmandu-based non-government organisation plans to implement youth empowerment programmes with support from the Shanghai-based company through Chinese language learning and cultural exchange between the two countries.

ISVG is a global initiative with a presence in over 78 countries. ISVG Nepal was established in 2022, in the midst of the Covid pandemic, with a goal to provide age-specific life and moral education to the youth aligned with Scouting principles.

At an interaction held in Kathmandu on Wednesday morning, around two dozen elected representatives from a range of local governments in Nepal met with a delegation from Haishan Media led by its founder Ni Haishan.

The representatives showed their interest in introducing Chinese language teaching to their youths, especially at local government schools. While Ni committed help, they offered to provide accommodation for the Chinese instructors who would join such a programme.

Ni established the Haishan Foundation in 2018, committing an annual donation of 2 million RMB to support underprivileged students, according to the company’s representatives.

The agreement is on strengthening Nepal-China relations through education, leadership and cultural exchange programmes.

Under the deal, the two organisations plan to impart Chinese language and culture education for children, youths and adults in selected areas of Nepal, especially in remote parts.

ISVG Nepal country chief commissioner Ajit Khadka said the programme would be implemented after they receive approval from the Social Welfare Council.

The two sides are collaborating to provide vocational and skill-based training for employability and economic empowerment of local residents. They will also train ISVG Nepal volunteers in Chinese language instruction and leadership development.

The deal is also for promoting tourism and handicraft products of Nepal.

For the purpose, Haishan Media has agreed to help set up and manage Chinese language centres and cover the basic expenses for trainers and volunteers.

ISVG Nepal is said to collaborate with schools, elected local representatives and artisans to advance its goals.