By Chinedu Onyejelem

Ireland’s Nepalese community recently gathered in Dublin to celebrate its students who graduated from Irish third-level institutions in 2017.

The Student Felicitation and Interaction Programme For Graduates in Dublin follows a similar event in Cork previously and was organised by the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) Ireland.

Speaking at the event, NRNA president Nabaraj Koirala and secretary Bibek Sapkota told Metro Éireann that it also highlighted opportunities for graduates who want to stay in Ireland as well as for those who wish to return to help develop Nepal.

They added that about 50 Nepalese graduated in disciplines from IT and mental health to business and accountancy from Dublin Business School, University College Dublin, Dorset College, Griffith College Dublin and ICD Business School.

Dipika Kuinkel, a graduate of business from ICD Business School, said she was “very happy that, finally, my dream came true.” 

At present Kuinkel is working in a restaurant as she searches for career opportunities.

Elsewhere, solicitor Hiro Ino provided free one-on-one immigration consultations to help those who want to legally stay in Ireland, but have immigration questions and uncertainties. 

“Nepalese are genuine, hard working people who are looking at how they can support their people,” said Ino.

For those contemplating a reurn to Nepal, the NRNA said their country needs them. 

“They would use their skills, knowledge and resources to support the development of Nepal,” said Som Sapkota, deputy treasurer of the international co-ordinating council of the NRNA, which operates in 78 countries.

Sapkota added that those who decide to seek employment in Ireland are also encouraged to support their adopted country and their homeland in whatever way possible.

The NRNA promotes knowledge and skills transfer that are needed in the quest to develop Nepal, he said, emphasising the attraction of foreign direct investment in recent years.

While thanking Irish people for their engagement with Nepalese socially, Sapkota said it was time for Irish investors to invest in business opportunities that exist there.

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