Don’t burden students with fees

To reduce the school dropout rate and ensure better education for students of urban-slum institutions, focus needs to be on proper need-based financial support, development work and alternative learning opportunities.

A recent survey report on reducing school dropout rate in urban slums of Bangladesh made the recommendation.

International development organisation Plan International Bangladesh, with support from Research and Development Collective, presented the report of the survey titled "Reducing School Dropout in Urban Slums of Bangladesh: Impact of Covid-19" yesterday at Brac Centre.

The study was conducted in over 40 schools and 673 households of students from different grades in areas under Dhaka South City Corporation from December 2020 to March 2021.

The report pointed out the high dropout rate in secondary schools, particularly for girls in urban slums.

It was found that the long school closure has had an

adverse impact on students already.

Remedial education and other necessary support should be ensured in schools, so students can get back on track regarding their studies.

The report suggests that financial and other types of support are necessary for students, as the schools have reopened. Schools should not burden students with fees and other charges, which may cause them to drop out.

Prof Syed Md Golam Faruk, director general of Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education, addressed the event as chief guest.

Ashik Billah, head of central and northern region at Plan International Bangladesh; Wahida Banu, executive director of Aparajeyo-Bangladesh; Syeda Tahmina Akhter, professor at Institute of Education and Research, Dhaka University; Nishat Nazmi, education officer of Unicef Bangladesh; and Abu Taher, executive director of Surovi, spoke among others.