NFE programmes cover both alternative schooling programmes such as flexible schooling and programmes for drop-out children. Local bodies such as Village Development Committees (VDCs), municipalities and DDCs as well as local level NGOs, are involved in such programmes. NGOs and INGOs involved in NFE programmes focus on life skills development in areas such as health, education, income generation and awareness raising. There were 242 organizations as such (12 INGOs and 230 NGOs) operating in the field of literacy and non formal education in Nepal (2006) (UNESCO 2008).
Issues and challenges facing NFE in Nepal as contained in the UNESS (2008) include the following: weak link between formal and non-formal education; insufficient access to literacy and NFE programmes; insufficient and inappropriate provision of continuous learning programmes; insufficient funding; and poor quality of education (UNESCO 2008).
