Political unrest, disasters lead to 37pc primary school absenteeism: Survey

The recent political unrest, violent situation, natural disasters and COVID-19 have negatively affected children’s minds, increasing the number of primary school students who are not attending school.

At the same time, 55.2% of children are afraid and panicked, according to a survey by the non-governmental development organisation Campaign for Popular Education (CAMPE) and BRAC Education Development Institute.

The survey results were revealed on Monday at a view-sharing meeting at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC) auditorium in the capital.

Research team member and Director of the Teacher Development Institute, Professor Nazmul Haque, presented the survey results.

CAMPE Executive Director Rasheda K Chowdhury presided over the meeting, with Primary and Mass Education Advisor Professor Dr Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar as the chief guest. Education Watch convener Ahmed Mushtaq Raja Chowdhury and BRAC Education Development Institute senior advisor Muhammad Musa were the guests.

This survey was conducted among primary school students in eight divisions in the country after the student-led uprising. The survey data was collected through a general questionnaire with the support of 203 non-governmental organisations across the country, collecting opinions from people at different levels, 12 focus group discussions, taking views from 30 knowledgeable people and two divisional and two national level meetings.

The survey results show that due to the recent political unrest in the country, natural disasters such as floods, floods and the long-term adverse effects of COVID, there have been visible mental changes among children. Of these, 36.5% of primary school children are inattentive to studies, 28.6% of children have suffered mental damage, and 7.9% of children have become irritable.

The survey also found that various mental changes have occurred among children due to political and social unrest. Of these, 45.8% of children have mental instability, 19.2% are inattentive to education, 15.3% are unruly, 13.8% are addicted to devices, 6.9% are fearful, 23.2% are terrified, and 19.7% are insecure.

Presenting the survey data, Professor Nazmul Haque said that during the recent political unrest, students have left school and taken to the streets. They have seen processions, violence, vandalism, arson, fights and shootings of students, which has created panic in their minds. They have had to stay home due to school closures, curfews and blockades. They have seen serious injuries or deaths of students in their families or neighbourhoods, which hurt the minds of children.

To improve the mental health of children, CAMPE has recommended that parents be friendly with students, keep them away from mobile addiction and encourage them to participate in locally held sports and cultural activities.

Professor Dr Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar said, “Without social change, it is not possible to improve the mental health of children by counselling alone. We are going through difficult times. For this, teachers, students and guardians have to come forward with a positive attitude.”

The adviser also said, “There is no alternative to sports to keep children’s mental health good. We may not be able to build new fields. We can free the fields from encroachment. That effort is ongoing. The government is considering appointing new teachers in three categories in primary schools to keep children’s health good. Among these, appointing physical education and music teachers has progressed a lot. And the matter of appointing teachers in fine arts is still awaiting approval.

“Work is underway to make schools in Dhaka city visually appealing, which will be completed in 10 schools in the capital this month. In addition, there will be visual works in 46 schools in various metropolitan cities outside Dhaka. These will work to keep children’s mental health good. That is how we are arranging the schools,” he added.