The results-based lending (RBL)program will assist the Government of Nepal in reforming the school education system through the implementation of its School Education Sector Plan (SESP) in a sector-wide approach (SWAp) supported by eight development partners, including the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The RBL program will strengthen equity, quality, and resilience of school education by helping the government (i) enhance learning provisions for basic and secondary schools; (ii) strengthen teaching and learning in basic and secondary schools; (iii) accelerate the recovery from learning losses caused by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic; and (iv) improve the capacity of governments, especially local governments, for education planning, monitoring, and reporting.

Reducing inequities in access and participation and improving the quality and resilience of school education are essential steps to better prepare Nepal's youth for higher education and the acquisition of skills that employers require. In line with Nepal's long-term vision and its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MOEST) approved the SESP for 20212030, and prepared a costed program for the first 5 years (FY2023FY2027) The JFPs will tackle the remaining inequities and constraints that lead to low learning by prioritizing and sequencing required results from the SESP. The RBL program is aligned with its Strategy 2030 and the operational priorities of (i) addressing remaining poverty and reducing inequalities; (ii) accelerating progress in gender equality; (iii) tackling climate change, building climate and disaster resilience, and enhancing environmental sustainability; and (iv) strengthening governance and institutional capacity. The RBL contributes to pillar 2 (improved access to devolved services) of ADB's country partnership strategy, 20202024 for Nepal; and to Sustainable Development Goals 4, 5, 10 and 13.