Dear GZK-Family,
Namaskar! Guten Tag!
On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am honoured to express a few words:
The German Embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of Nepal officially recognized GZK in 2001 as a part of their diplomatic mission after the closure of the Goethe Institute in 1997. GZK has been successfully providing its services to our students, thanks to the management of my predecessors and previous managing directors since then. The GZK is an official partner of the Goethe-Institute e.V. and a leading institute for German language classes in Nepal for the official Exam Center of this Institute in Germany and Nepal. It has a long tradition of preparing young Nepali for their educational and professional adventure in Germany. Many of our graduates build their careers and lives – based on their German language knowledge – in Germany or Nepal.
The Years 2020 and 2021 have been challenging for us to survive a pandemic like COVID-19. Through various measures, we successfully proved our resilience to stand high and lead our day-to-day work at GZK. Steadily, we grabbed our full energy to put everything back on track. During difficult times, we switched to virtual classes, continued our regular meetings online, published Annual Reports, and improved our new website. Though it was initially difficult to switch over to New Normal from our old habits, we maintained our regular academic calendar and business intact thanks to our able students, faculty, and staff. They showed remarkable solidarity towards the management. For that, I would like to applaud the GZK family wholeheartedly.
I am also grateful to have continuous support and teamwork from the Board of Directors of GZK. The diplomatic support to GZK from the German Embassy and the Board by our then-honorary President, Mr. Roland Schaefer, was invaluable. Among other noteworthy things, he, in collaboration with Dr. Berthold Franke, ensured constant financial support from Goethe Institute New Delhi, expediting the acquisition of a site and design for our New Building and providing visas to our students and staff to study or to visit Germany. We are now fortunate to welcome His Excellency Dr. Thomas Prinz as the honorary President of GZK since 2021. We are renewing our MoU with the Government of Nepal through his Excellency’s diplomatic mission.
GZK is not only a German language institute; it is an organization for cultural exchange that strengthens the friendly ties between Germany and Nepal. After starting PASCH, GZK continually gets backing from the Goethe Institute in Munich and New Delhi. The quality of language training and cultural activities is so valuable that one day we may be qualified to reestablish Goethe Institute in Nepal.
My team must perform other myriads of work for the betterment of GZK. We also need to increase our membership and expand our activities to strengthen GZK. GZK is a small German Community in Nepal where Nepalese students get first-hand contact with German people and its colorful culture. If we work smart, GZK could be a center for academic and scientific exchange between the two countries. The collaborative partnership with DAAD and NEGAAS is just the beginning of this endeavor. We also need to reach out to other partners. Once we convince through a little scientific diplomacy, both governments might be able to establish the “German House” where we could expand our collaboration with Goethe Institute, DAAD, NEGAAS, NSST, SES, Kaalo, KJC, EIV, Barmer, MBPS, and many other relevant organizations. For this to happen, we need bigger space, more activities, and much dedication. On 17th November, we opened a new chapter of collaboration with the Nepal Secretariat for Skill and Training (NSST) after signing an MOU, through which we can accompany a new generation of Nepali students from all backgrounds to fulfill their dreams. We teach them the German Language and provide them with needed skills and training as apprentices in Germany and Nepal for their future.
After completing nearly 28 months of my tenure on the Board, we have organized several Annual General Meetings, cultural events, Christmas markets, and gatherings, and most importantly, maintained our academic calendar. Thanks to the consistent dedication of our Board Members, managing director, faculties, and staff, and the continued support from the German Embassy, we can accomplish many things together. On behalf of the Board, I appreciate your vital support to GZK for thriving in any adverse situation. Dear Members, faculty, staff, and students, you are the life of GZK, and the Board needs your consistent advice and feedback.
I wish you and your family excellent health, success in work, and magnificence. I hope the next years brings us peace and prosperity in our personal and professional lives. Together we learn, we remain strong, and together we achieve more.
Yours,
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ramesh Kumar Maskey
President | Board of Directors | Goethe-Zentrum Kathmandu
