Jumla, June 10 -- At a time when roads were virtually non-existent in Karnali, communication was scarce, and higher education remained out of reach for most young people, a bold experiment in technical education took shape in Jumla.

Established in 1980 with the goal of providing skill-based education to youths in remote mountain districts, Karnali Technical School (KTS) has since become one of Nepal's most significant vocational training institutions. Nearly five decades later, however, the school that helped lay the foundation for technical education in the country is grappling with a severe financial crisis.

Located on the hill of Ghughuti, around three kilometres north of Khalanga Bazar, the school occupies more than 652 ropani (33.1...