Geneva [Switzerland], March 7 (ANI): On the sidelines of the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Jan Hubel, a Luxembourgish master’s student in International Development at the University of Oxford, praised India’s efforts to reform education through the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
In an exclusive interview with ANI, Hubel said he was most struck by the policy’s strong emphasis on vocational training and skill development, which provides students with practical foundations for the future. He noted the approach encourages young people not only to seek employment but also to nurture entrepreneurial ambitions and self-reliance.
While working with the Akshar Foundation in Guwahati, Hubel observed vocational training being incorporated into classroom instruction. Students learned practical competencies such as business management, accounting, and public relations, which he said helped them better understand real-world economic opportunities and prepare for professional life. He stressed that these initiatives can be transformative for learners from disadvantaged backgrounds by giving them the tools to gain independence and handle everyday economic challenges.
Comparing India’s shifting education model with systems in places like Hong Kong and Luxembourg, Hubel said the NEP’s focus on creativity and independent thinking aligns with international practices, but India’s emphasis on hands-on, practical projects gives it a distinctive edge. During his time with the Akshar Foundation, he took part in collaborative projects, including making a short film with students, and observed their ease with modern technology and digital tools—skills increasingly vital in the global economy.
Hubel argued that integrating livelihood and employability skills into school curricula could help address youth unemployment by bridging the gap between academic learning and job market needs. He added that India’s efforts to broaden access to skill-based education might serve as a model for other Global South countries pursuing education reform.
In 2023, Hubel completed the Oxford Internship Programme with the Akshar Foundation, working in government schools to implement the foundation’s Indian Education Model aligned with NEP 2020. He has also taught in Hong Kong and delivered lectures at Banasthali Vidyapith in Rajasthan. (ANI)
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