KATHMANDU; The European Union and UNICEF Nepal today launched Asha: Dreams in Motion, a traveling cinema screening and dialogue, at the Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival (KIMFF) 2026. The programme brought together government representatives, private sector actors, educators, development partners and young people to discuss how to better prepare adolescents and youth for a changing labour market and equip them with skills for the future.

Asha: Dreams in Motion showcases the stories of three young people from different parts of Nepal – from Dhangadhi in the west to Janakpur in the southeast. The documentary follows their experiences as they move through education, training and the search for work, highlighting the challenges and choices they face as they build their futures.

“I am passionate about cybersecurity and digital learning, but most of what I learn is on my own because structured and certified courses are not available in Nepal. With proper training and opportunities, young people like me can turn what we love into real careers,” said Deepshikha Chaudhary.

Deepshikha is one of the three young people featured in the documentary.

“Across Nepal, young people are asking whether what they learn will truly help them build the future they want. This initiative is about listening to those questions and working together to strengthen the link between learning and transition to work so that young people can turn their skills and aspirations into real opportunities,” said Ms Alice Akunga, UNICEF Representative to Nepal.

Following the launch of the documentary at KIMFF in Kathmandu today, the documentary will travel to Sudurpashchim, Karnali and Madhesh provinces between 2 and 9 June. The provincial dialogues will focus on local education priorities and labour market realities, bringing together provincial and local governments, educators, young people and private sector representatives.

Insights from both national and provincial dialogues will be consolidated into a set of recommendations. These will focus on practical steps that government, private sector actors, development partners and education stakeholders can take to strengthen pathways from learning to earning.

More than a series of screening the documentary nationwide, Asha: Dreams in Motion is a platform for dialogue that brings together different actors to reflect on the growing gap between education and employment and how education systems can better respond to labour market needs and strengthen pathways from learning to earning.

“Education today is about far more than access alone; it is about ensuring that young people leave school with the skills, confidence, and adaptability to thrive in a rapidly changing world. As digital technologies, green economies, entrepreneurship, tourism, agriculture, and creative industries reshape opportunities and redefine the skills we need, strengthening the link between education, skills development, and employment has never been more important” said Ms Anouk van Neck, Education Focal Point, Delegation of the European Union to Nepal.

The initiative reflects the shared commitment of the European Union and UNICEF to support stronger, more inclusive and more equitable education systems in Nepal. It aligns with national efforts to improve learning outcomes and ensure that all young people have fair opportunities to succeed.

It also aligns with the Government of Nepal’s School Education Sector Plan (SESP), which aims to strengthen equitable access to quality education and improve learning outcomes for all children. Within this framework, UNICEF and the European Union are supporting efforts to better connect education systems with the skills young people need for work and to strengthen pathways from learning to earning.