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The issue of school dropouts in India's urban areas, particularly in major cities, is a matter of significant concern. Despite remarkable progress in increasing access to elementary education over the past decade, with a current reach of 96% of school-age children, there is a crucial need to focus on retaining students through the elementary and secondary cycles in larger cities. The 2009 Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the essential norms, standards, and conditions for accessible and quality elementary education are firmly in place.
Mawaddah is actively addressing the dropout challenge by providing a second chance for students to complete their 10th and 12th grades in Bangalore City. Our efforts extend to special training for age-appropriate admissions of out-of-school children (OoSC). We offer both residential and non-residential training for older children, including those attending faith-based religious seminaries. Additionally, Mawaddah facilitates transport and escort services to integrate out-of-school children into the formal schooling system. Financial assistance is also provided for supporting OoSC, particularly those aged 16-19 from socio-economically disadvantaged groups, to complete their education through NIOS/SIOS, ensuring access to course materials and certification.
Our partner organization, The Learning Point, has been a trailblazer in implementing the NIOS approved curriculum in North Bangalore. The progress made by Learning Point in executing the open school model has garnered local recognition with several accolades. The Learning Point continues to play a crucial role in advancing educational opportunities for those who have faced challenges in the traditional schooling system.
When examining dropout trends, it's essential to differentiate between dropout children and out-of-school children. Dropout children are those who were previously enrolled in school but left before completing their education, often due to challenges like financial constraints, family obligations, lack of interest, poor academic performance, or personal circumstances. An analysis of India's District Information System for Education data reveals that Grade 5, the terminal grade in the primary cycle, has the highest dropout rate at 15.9%. Moreover, the dropout rates in Grade 6 and 7 are lower, suggesting that students are less likely to leave school at higher grades.
Out-of-school children (OoSC) refer to those who are of age to attend school but are not enrolled or attending any educational institution. These children may have never been enrolled in school or started formal education due to reasons such as poverty, lack of infrastructure, or social barriers. Mawaddah is dedicated to addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by both dropout and out-of-school children, working towards creating inclusive and accessible educational opportunities for all.