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October 2006 - March 2007
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CINI UK funded the first 6 months preparatory work for the Action for Education initiative. Activities undertaken during this period are outlined below. The remaining funding is being sought by CINI from other sources.
Objective of the initiative
This initiative seeks to achieve the objectives of universal enrolment and retention of children in formal schools, as stated by the Indian Government under the "Education for All" initiative.
Project outcomes
- All out of school children aged 6-14 years enrolled in Elementary Schools/Education Guarantee Centres
- Improved access, enrolment, retention and quality of elementary education in formal schools
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Preparatory phase (first 6 months) - activities undertaken so far
The activities in the first 6 months have broadly sought to initiate community dialogue and partnerships on education, as well as gather a better understanding of the extent of the problem and reasons for out of school children in the area. Towards this purpose, the major activities that have been undertaken in the 6-month period are given below:
1) Community dialogue and partnerships on education
A Core Committee on Education has been formed at the Panchayat (local government body) level to jointly plan and support education initiatives in the area. The Committee has already engaged in proactive decision-making. For example, The Committee decided that the Panchayat would award the youth surveyors with certificates for their efforts. Furthermore, it has also supported all survey-training activities undertaken by providing meeting space.
This community dialogue has drawn attention to one of the main problems in the area, which is the acute shortage of upper primary schools. The need for more upper primary schools has been expressed to education system officials. Furthermore, the survey will inform additional advocacy initiatives undertaken with these officials, calling for more schools in the area.
2) Survey on education conducted in 10 villages
15 youth representatives were selected and trained on data collection for the survey on education. The survey was completed in 10 villages, gathering information on the educational and working status of children aged between 3-18 years. This covered a population of 17,500, covering 3,726 households and 6800 children (aged between 3-18 years).
Data editing has been completed and at the time of writing, the data entry programme is currently under development. The data entry was due to start at the end of March. Preliminary analysis shows that around 30 % of children between the ages of 6-18 years are out of school, and 75% among these are wage-earning child labourers.
3) Other activities
A school assessment report has been carried out. In addition, a meeting with the Youth-Adult Committees at the village level has been held to discuss the issue of education.
Outputs achieved
Outputs achieved
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Number |
| Education Core Committee meetings held |
4 |
| Youth selected and trained for education survey |
15 |
| Households covered in the survey |
3,726 |
| Children covered (3-18 years) in the survey |
6,800 |
| Village-level meetings held |
10 |
Plan of action
- The survey findings will be able to provide a detailed understanding of the 'out of school' status and profile of children according to age, disability, marital status, working status etc., as well as their reasons for not going to school. This will inform planning by highlighting the priority areas for future action.
- A qualitative study will also be undertaken to gain understanding of the knowledge, attitude and practice of key community stakeholders on education.
- However, since the admission period for the new academic session starts in May , activities for community mobilisation towards enrolment, including enrolment drives, are being planned with stakeholders at all levels from March. These enrolment drives will be followed by a school-based follow-up of children aged 5-6 years old.
- We will also plan the setting up of bridge course centres with community partnership for children aged between 6-14 years who are 'out of school', as well as continuing with our advocacy efforts for better access to school facilities in the area.
See here for a printable version of this report (Word document)
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