Problems of Basic Education of the Disadvantaged Children in the Urban Areas of Bangladesh: A Study on Rajshahi City

Abstract

The research work "Problems of Basic Education of the Disadvantaged Children in the Urban Areas of Bangladesh: A Study on Rajshahi City" has been divided into 8 chapters. In the introductory chapter, mainly the backgrounds of the study and methodological aspects have been presented along with the objectives of research, definition of the key concepts, data collection and analyzing techniques. It is an explorative research work that is based on the information collected from the underprivileged children in Rajshahi city. The sample technique of the research is stratified random sampling and in it 3 types ( on going students and their guardians, dropout students and their guardians and students' institutions) of respondents have been selected purposively. Moreover, relevant information has been collected from the respondents through observation, questionnaire survey, key informants interview and case study. It is important to mention that the target of the research work is to uplift the problems of education of the unprivileged children. The researcher has to undertake six more specific objectives to acquire the target. The title of chapter two is Situation of Basic Education. In this chapter the major aspects of primary education have been presented viz., pattern of primary education, enrolment and dropout issue, school environment, financing of primary education, target of basic education, achievement of basic education, target of education, etc. In chapter three, Identification of Disadvantaged Children has been noted. This research has been conducted over the children who are deprived of economically; they go to school during their work time. In this chapter the condition and dignity have been presented. Disadvantaged children are "the most vulnerable group of people among the population. After exploring and analyzing data from different sources, the researcher has found three types of disadvantaged children (Street children, Domestic Child Worker, Children in Hazardous Work) in this study area. In chapter four, Socio-Economic Condition of Disadvantaged Children is demonstrated. In this chapter the collected data has been presented in various tables, charts or graphs. These tables, charts or graphs may clarify the overall situation of the disadvantaged children, specially their socio-economic condition. In chapter five, Educational Institution for Disadvantaged Children has been taken into regard. UCEP and BEHTRUWC schools are selected to get proper information regarding the issues. These two programs are playing a very effective role in eradicating illiteracy and achieving MDG. According to the characteristics, both the systems are non-formal education institutions. An analytical approach has been adopted to present the existing patterns and other pedagogical aspects have been included for getting practical situation. In chapter six, Difficulties in Accessing Basic Education of Disadvantaged Children are stated. The chapter examines the structural barriers that exclude poor children from educational opportunity. It is clear that socio-cultural reality itself is a major difficulty in accessing basic education. On the basis of the above motto, the researcher has presented a critical analysis concerning some basic education relating to socio-cultural phenomena. The title of chapter seven, is GO-NGO and Local Support for Disadvantaged Children. We know that, a number of Government and Non-government organizations are working for the welfare of the disadvantaged children in Rajshahi city as well as Bangladesh. Particularly the organizations and institutions like Baby Home, Shishu Home, Shishu Paribar, Shishu Sadan, Drop in Center, Sotomony Nibas etc. are working for the welfare of the disadvantaged children. On the other hand, many international, national, local and regional organizations like UNICEF, ILO, UNESCO, SOS Palli, UCEP, ASD, ACD, TDC, etc. are operating various types of integrated programs for the welfare of such children in the country over the years. The performance of the mentioned organizations in Rajshahi city has been observed through the research. In chapter eight, title is Chapter Summary and Recommendations. The researcher has found that economical, social, personal, problem at school, illiteracy of guardians are the main factors to accessing basic education of disadvantaged children. With the combined efforts of parents, teachers, policy makers of the society as well as government can stop the problem. Throughout the overall study, the researcher brings out some suggestions as recommendations in line with the identified problems. We need to identify the problem and also need to take necessary steps to prevent the problem. Otherwise overall development plan will be spoiled.