Attendance has been lower at secondary schools than at primary schools since the reopening of educational institutions after Covid-induced closures, according to a study by the Safe Back to School (SB2S) Campaign.
In secondary schools, the lowest attendance was 57% in grade 9 while the highest was 69% in grade 7. On the other hand, the lowest attendance at primary schools was 65% in grade 4 and the highest 86% in grade 1.
The main reason for the lower attendance in secondary schools is that older children are more likely to be pushed into employment or married off. Furthermore, many students have lost interest in studying, the report said.
Providing financial support, reducing or eliminating fees, and providing educational materials and health safety materials might be helpful in getting back in school the students whose families are facing a financial crisis back, it added.
The Safe Back to School (SB2S) Campaign is a network of 21 national and international NGOs working to help the government ensure that students return to classrooms safely in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
As part of the campaign, SB2S conducted a study to look into the practice of health safety regulations and protocols and the attendance rate of students in schools after the reopening. The survey was conducted at 328 primary and secondary schools in 17 districts under seven divisions from November 13 to December 5, 2021. The report was unveiled in Dhaka yesterday.
As many as 1,606 students participated in the study.
Health safety
The study found 74% of the students were using masks while 72% maintained social distance in classrooms. About 79% of teachers wore masks.
Overall, 73% of the support staff wear masks properly. Whereas 81% of the staff wear masks in the rural areas, only 54% do so in urban areas.
Almost 91% of the schools have at least one handwashing point, although only 87% provide soap.
According to the report, 52% of the schools have a proper waste disposal system, and 67% of schools check the temperature at the entry point.
Forty per cent of schools have an isolation room for sick patients. Not surprisingly, the percentage is higher among urban schools.
Mental health
According to the qualitative inquiry, students felt irritated, lonely, isolated and under mental pressure during the Covid lockdown. The reasons for discomfort included financial crisis, uncertain future, risk of child marriage, the chance of education being stopped, increased problems in the family, and difficulties in understanding lessons online.
Although some of these problems have reduced after the reopening, learning difficulties are continuing and several students are facing difficulties with social interaction.