Education is the basic requirement for human development. It is also the principal instrument in awakening the child to cultural values and thus is the strongest force in the development and growth of a child in preparing him/her to be a responsible, intelligent, and capable citizen. In India creating access to schools has been a great challenge. How ever Because of article 21 A of the Indian constitution and Right to education – 2009 our governments have tried to ensure that the number of schools in India is covering the population at a level where every child has a school within the reach of 1 Km from their houses and has helped us achieve universal enrolment at the elementary level with an enrollment percentage of 98 % which is a huge success as a nation.
School Dropouts:
While the government has been making concerted efforts aimed at expanding the reach of education, the phenomenon of school dropouts remains a blot on the progress of education in India. What is cause for particular concern is the enormity of the problem in most states of India and at all stages of school education where unacceptably high dropout rates have been reported. The dropouts represent a significant human cost to children and the nation since they will most likely be permanently illiterate
One can actually enjoy the fruits of education only when they complete at least secondary level. the percentage of enrolled children, completing their secondary education are at alarming levels. The NSSO data shows a lot of trends out of which one important data shows consistent dropping out of students in higher grades. Out of 98% of children enrolling in class 1 only 36% of them are completing class 12th. The biggest concern is approximately 60% of children are not able to complete their education.
Factors affecting the children’s school Drop out rate:
It shows that the socio-economic factors like caste, religion, geography, gender and economic status of parents are the key factors Children’s drop out. But Data is clearly also showing that “Children are not interested in studies” is the major reason that is causing the children to drop out of school.
Why So many children from disadvantaged backgrounds are not finding education interesteing?
- language is the biggest barrier, children from tribal communities speak Gondi and Halbi instruction in school happens in Hindi. Thus there s no communication between students and teachers in early classes as teachers are not equipped to deal multi lngual classes.
- children are not used to the authoritative nature of schools, being out of formal education for some time or living in relative freedom at home, where parents are occupied with livelihood letting children fend for themselves. So, if they are forced, they won’t come to school. Their independent nature has to be kept in mind while dealing with them
- Children have a great need for emotional wellbeing, as they are exposed to violence in the community, sex, alcohol, abusive behaviour, etc. at a very early age.
- The current curriculum and syllabus is aimed at children from upper and middle-class backgrounds so there is no space for the lives of tribals or urban slums in the textbooks. So children do not find any connection with education
- The students are at different educational attainment levels and cannot be taught in standard age-appropriate grade syllabus patterns. Each student learns at their own speed, so there is a need to create individual learning spaces. our schools force on children in one class though they are not following that is happening n the class.
Bachpan Banao 