EDUCATION : A MATTER OF GREAT CONCERN.

ARTICLE.

Introduction:

Education is the process of imparting and receiving knowledge in schools, colleges and universities. But it’s a broader concept that involves discipline, building character, and train them to be self-sufficient, with the capacity to think and act in a critical situation.

(https://www.britannica.com/topic/education)

Every child should receive primary education in his or her mother tongue.

Right to Education :

The Right to Education gained recognition as a human right through a resolution adopted by the The Universal Declaration on Human Rights, through Article 26 in 1948.

The Constitution (Eighty-sixth Amendment) Act, 2002 has made a provision to include Right to Education as a fundamental right through Article 21 A. According to the The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, all the children between 6-14 are entitled to receive free and compulsory education.

According to a statistics revealed by https://world-education-blog.org in 2022, nearly 244 million children and youth dropped out of school in 2021. The UNESCO reveals that India, Nigeria, and Pakistan have the highest  rates of out-of school children worldwide. For more than ten years, the population of  Nigeria has fluctuated between 10.5 million and 15 million, with the situation getting worse as a  result of the nation’s deteriorating security  condition.

Reasons for dropping out of school.

• Poverty
• Lack of support
• Bullying
• Learning difficulties
• Lack of interest

Children dropping out of school is a widespread problem that can have significant consequences for their future prospects. There are several critical reasons why children may drop out of school, including poverty, lack of support, bullying, learning difficulties, and lack of interest.

Poverty is one of the most common factors contributing to a child’s decision to withdraw from school. When low-income families struggle to pay for educational expenses, it can be challenging for children to continue their studies. This lack of financial resources can result in missed school days, poor academic performance, and eventually dropping out of school.

A child’s academic success also depends on the level of support they receive at home. The absence of parental support or negative influences can significantly impact academic performance and make it difficult for children to continue their studies. Children who lack familial support may feel that they have no one to turn to for help when they encounter obstacles in their academic life.

Bullying is another significant factor that can cause children to withdraw from school. Being the victim of bullying can severely impact a child’s mental health and academic performance, making it unsafe for them to continue their studies. If a child feels unsafe at school, it can be impossible for them to learn and thrive academically.

Learning difficulties are also a concern for children who may be struggling to keep up with their peers due to conditions such as dyslexia or ADHD. Without specialized support, children with learning difficulties can fall behind in their studies, leading to frustration and eventually dropping out of school.

Finally, some children may lose interest in school due to various factors, such as boredom with the curriculum or the classroom environment. When a child loses interest in their education, it can lead to poor academic performance, missed school days, and eventually dropping out of school.

It is crucial to address these factors to help children stay in school and receive the education they need to succeed. By providing financial assistance to low-income families, offering support to children who lack familial support, and implementing anti-bullying policies, we can create safe and supportive learning environments for all children. We must also provide specialized support to children with learning difficulties and offer engaging and innovative curricula that capture children’s interest and keep them motivated to learn.

Conclusion:

It’s pathetic to know that in spite of the Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act (2009), private schools charge exorbitant fees that is way beyond the reach of a middle class family. Yet, people prefer sending their children to private schools thinking that the standards of education in these schools is higher than the Government aided schools. They want to provide the best for the children and despite their financial constraints, get them enrolled in private schools. It doesn’t matter if your child goes to a private school or a government aided school. There are brilliant people who have managed to carve a niche for themselves in the society.

In order to reduce the number of school dropouts, the following steps need to be taken.

There are several steps that can be taken to reduce the number of children dropping out of school. Some of these steps include:

1. Improving access to education: It is important to ensure that all children have access to education, regardless of their socioeconomic background. This can be done by building more schools in areas where they are needed, providing transportation to schools, and making education affordable through scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid.
2. Providing adequate resources and infrastructure: Schools should have the necessary resources and infrastructure to ensure that students have a conducive environment to learn. This includes having enough teachers, textbooks, classrooms, and other facilities such as libraries and laboratories.
3. Addressing the socio-economic factors: Many children drop out of school because of socio-economic factors such as poverty, child labor, and poor living conditions. Addressing these factors can help to keep children in school. This can be done through community programs that provide support to families and ensure that children have access to basic necessities such as food, shelter, and healthcare.
4. Encouraging parental involvement: Parents play a crucial role in the education of their children. Encouraging parental involvement in their child’s education can help to keep them motivated and engaged in school. This can be done through parent-teacher meetings, workshops, and other forms of communication.
5. Providing alternative education options: For children who may not thrive in a traditional classroom setting, providing alternative education options such as vocational training, apprenticeships, and online learning can help to keep them engaged and motivated.
6. Identifying at-risk students early: It is important to identify at-risk students early and provide them with the necessary support to keep them in school. This can be done through regular assessments, counseling, and mentoring programs.

By implementing these steps, it is possible to reduce the number of children dropping out of school and ensure that every child has access to quality education.