Primary schools in Thakurgaon, Nilphamari: Lack of fund, resources hinder progress

There are no libraries at nine out of 10 primary schools in Nilphamari and seven out of ten schools in Thakurgaon, according to the latest Centre for Policy Dialogue studies.

The studies further showed that only 17 percent of the students in Thakurgaon and 26 percent of those in Nilphamari use the existing libraries.

Approximately half of the schools in Nilphamari lack enough benches for students.

The reports were revealed during two separate dialogues held under the same title "Education atmosphere at Primary education: Our duties", in Thakurgaon and Nilphamari over this weekend.

The sessions were organised in collaboration with the European Union, Citizen's Platform for SDGs, Bangladesh and Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO).

A total of 136 respondents, including teachers, students, parents, and stakeholders from government and non-government organisations in Gaibandha, Thakurgaon and Nilphamari participated in the studies.

Senior Research Fellow at CPD Towfiqul Islam Khan presented the studies.

54 percent of the schools in Thakurgaon, and 59 percent of those in Nilphamari lacked internet facilities. Some 29 percent of schools in Thakurgaon had no multimedia projectors, while most of the available ones were out of order.

LACK OF RESOURCES, DIGITAL FACILITIES

According to the reports, 54 percent of the schools in Thakurgaon, and 59 percent of those in Nilphamari lacked internet facilities. Some 29 percent of schools in Thakurgaon  had no multimedia projectors, while most of the available ones were out of order.

Chandi Das Roy, a primary  school headteacher in Nilphamari, said, "Students cannot engage in co-curricular activities as we don't have proper playgrounds. Their safety is also an issue, as boundary walls are missing in most schools.

Around 89 percent of respondents from Thakurgaon and 74 percent from Nilphamari said the schools do not have teachers or instructors for extracurricular activities.

LIMITED MOTIVATION TOOLS

Of the Thakurgaon-based study participants, 41 percent said they were dissatisfied with the amount they receive as government stipends and demanded an increase.

Additionally, a large proportion of indigenous students are dropping out due to difficult economic circumstances.

Addressing these issues, the speakers asked the attending government officials to reconsider the stipend amount while also ensuring other educational incentives.

Alfa Begum, headteacher of a primary school in Thakurgaon Sadar, suggested introducing food for education programmes where the students will be offered mid-day meals at school to reduce the existing dropout rate.

Around 18 percent of the students in Thakurgaon had lower pass rates as they did not attend private tuition. In Nilphamari, 55 percent students experienced the same issue.

The lack of skills among primary teachers compels students to seek tuition privately, according to education officials.

BUDGET CONSTRAINTS

Around 61 percent of the survey respondents said they did not receive any grants since the coronavirus pandemic, while 50 percent termed the allocated funds "insufficient".

Speakers at both dialogues demanded an increase in budget, adding that the fund amount should be decided bearing in mind the local and geographical characteristics of the schools.

"We need to work on improving teaching skills and ensure subjective accountability and continuous monitoring for teachers," said Hasan Atiqur Rahman, assistant district primary education officer of Thakurgaon Sadar.

Along with elevating attendance, new recruitments are also important, said Runa Layla, education officer of Thakurgaon Sadar.

Following the evaluation of progress, quality, infrastructure, and public participation in educational institutes, CPD will convey the challenges, development opportunities, and findings of these dialogues to the respective authorities and stakeholders, informed Debapriya Bhattacharya, distinguished fellow at CPD.

Lawmaker Ramesh Chandra Sen, Thakurgaon Additional Deputy Commissioner Ramkrishna Barman, Dimla Upazila Parishad Chairman Tabibul Islam, Nilphamari Government College associate professor Monisankar Dasgupta, researcher Mozahidul Islam, CPD fellow Prof Mustafizur Rahman, ESDO representatives, and other stakeholders also spoke at the event.