Child School Dropout Crisis in Dadeldhura, Nepal
Dadeldhura district is currently facing a significant educational crisis with a high number of children, particularly girls, dropping out of school due to socio-economic challenges. The region's lack of quality education, the prevalence of early marriages, and weak economic conditions are exacerbating this situation.
Bhageswar Rural Municipality: A Hotspot of School Dropouts
Bhageswar Rural Municipality in Dadeldhura records an alarmingly high dropout rate. This district's plight exemplifies the issues faced by the larger Dadeldhura region and possibly even other municipalities in the district. In Bhageswar, economic hardships often force students to leave their studies mid-way and seek employment, and many girls students are married off early due to financial constraints.
The ratio of school leavers, particularly those between grades 1 to 10, may be significantly high in other parts of the district, according to the Education Development and Coordination Unit Dadeldhura. However, specific data on this is still pending.
Challenges to Education
Several factors contribute to the high dropout rates in Dadeldhura. One significant reason is the lack of technical education opportunities that could lead to self-employment. The prevalent traditional education system does not align with modern needs and often leaves students and parents disillusioned. Poverty further compounds the issue, with many parents unable to afford the cost of higher education for their children.
Another key challenge is the absence of local higher education facilities. Agriculture, forestry, and overseer studies have been introduced in some local secondary schools. However, for advanced education, students are compelled to seek opportunities elsewhere, a prospect that is financially unviable for families primarily dependent on farming.
Troubling Statistics
The Chief Administrative Officer of Bhageswar Rural Municipality, Khagendra Bharti, reports that approximately 5.5% of the children in Bhageswar drop out of school. In a district with 32 schools, including 8 secondary and 24 basic schools, this figure represents a significant loss in potential human capital.
In the current academic session, out of 3,551 enrolled students, about 5.5% are out of school's reach. Among these, the number of girls students is notably higher, largely due to child marriage and challenging economic circumstances.
The situation worsens as students progress to higher grades. Data regarding students in grades 11 and 12 remains uncertain. However, it is estimated that nearly 200 students drop out each academic year.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Region | Dadeldhura, Nepal |
| Key Issue | High School Dropout Rate |
|---|---|
| Municipality with High Dropout Rate | Bhageswar Rural Municipality |
| Major Reasons for Dropout | Economic hardships, early marriage, lack of quality and technical education |
|---|---|
| Overall Dropout Rate in Bhageswar | 5.5% |
| Total Schools in Bhageswar | 32 (8 secondary, 24 basic) |
| Total Enrollment | 3,551 students |
| Out-of-School Students | 5.5% of total enrollment |
| Gender with Higher Dropout Rate | girls |
| Annual Dropout (Estimated) | 200 students |
|---|
| Major Contributors to Dropout | Poverty, misuse of social media, migration, employment opportunities in India, and early marriages |
|---|---|
| Interventions Planned | Educational initiatives for parents, special scholarships for girls students, monitoring of schools, psychosocial counseling training, happiness classes, and technical education. |
Drivers of Student Dropout
Children from impoverished families are more likely to drop out, often seeking employment at a young age rather than focusing on their studies. Early marriages, particularly in remote villages, also contribute significantly to girls student dropouts.
The misuse of social media, the lure of employment across the Indian border, and the prevalence of child marriages are some of the major contributors to school dropouts. At the primary level, migration is a common issue, while at the secondary level, employment and child marriages are the key factors for students leaving school.
The Struggles of Families and Teachers
Families grappling with poverty often have no choice but to send their children to work at a young age. This move is usually perceived as a stepping stone towards learning skills and earning better wages. As a result, parents often send their sons abroad for employment and marry off their daughters early.
Teachers note the negative impact of these circumstances on students' focus and morale. Many girls stop attending school post-marriage due to household responsibilities, and this tends to affect the morale of other students as well.
The Way Forward: Local Initiatives and Future Plans
Despite the existing challenges, efforts are underway to improve the quality of education in the region. As part of the school improvement program, an educational initiative for parents has been introduced this academic year. Moreover, to counter the dropout trend, the local level is planning to offer special scholarships to girls students. There's also an emphasis on monitoring schools continuously and focusing on enhancing the quality of education through initiatives like psychosocial counseling training, happiness classes, and technical education.
However, to witness significant improvement in the situation, all stakeholders must actively participate in these initiatives. The need of the hour is to work collectively to ensure children in Dadeldhura and other similar regions can continue their education without disruption and build a better future for themselves.
Published on 13th July 2023
Dadeldhura