Allocate 6pc GNP for education sector
Experts urge govt
Experts at a consultation yesterday suggested the government allocate at least six percent of gross national product (GNP) for education sector to achieve the education for all (EFA) target by 2015.
They also called on the government to allocate six percent of the total education budget for adult literacy.
Laying stress on taking a holistic and lifelong learning process to promote literacy, the experts called for taking sector-wise action plan on literacy and quality education, including health, education, agriculture, livestock and livelihood.
Campaign for Popular Education (CAMPE) organised the consultation on 'Youth and adult literacy' at LGED Bhaban in the city to mark the Global Action Week.
Speaking as the chief guest, State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Motahar Hossain said the government is committed to bring all the children to schools and reduce the dropout rate down to nil by 2011.
“The government would start the activities in full swing from January 2010. In 2011, it would concentrate on adult education and skilled training for youth through local administration,” he added.
Stressing the need for cooperation among the government and NGOs to achieve the target, the minister said regardless of political affiliation, all parties should come forward to take strategies at community level to help the government materialise 'Vision 2021'.
Prof Kazi Saleh Ahmed, chairman of Foundation for Research on Educational Planning and Development, said a continuum approach is needed to sustain the achieved literacy rate.
“The government should establish a research centre nationally to identify different problems, causes or difficulties in education sector and accordingly it should launch a programme to solve the problems to get the desired result.”
Terming increasing enrolment not enough to ensure EFA, Dr Manzoor Ahmed, senior adviser of Brac University, suggested the concerned body take initiatives to launch a community network of learning centre across the country.”
Coordinator of South Asia Advocacy and Campaign Md Muntasim Tanvir presented the keynote paper.
With Dhaka Ahsania Mission (DAM) President Kazi Rafiqul Alam in the chair, the programme was also addressed by acting director of CAMPE Md Azizul Haq.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments