The persistent and evolving nature of the pandemic means we are yet to understand the true extent of the impact. Disruption in children’s education is one of the most worrying issues of the pandemic, as it can have long-term adverse effects not only on children’s future economic well-being but also on social equality and the national economy. BIGD in partnership with PPRC has conducted a number of studies on the impact of the pandemic in Bangladesh, including one with a specific module on the education of primary and secondary schoolchildren and adolescents. The findings indicate three major consequences of the yearlong school closure: (1) deepening of the already existing learning crisis in the country, (2) possible future worsening of socioeconomic inequality, and (3) the growing economic burden of out-of-pocket education costs and possibility of dropouts. A number of key questions emerged from the above findings: (1) How do we deliver catch-up education to help students recover what they lost, acquire grade- appropriate learning, and graduate each grade in time? (2) How do we ensure quality last-mile delivery of education, one that does not exacerbate inequality? (3) How do we bring the children who are vulnerable to dropping out back to schools? (4) How do we provide life opportunities to dropped-out children who do not or cannot come back to the classroom? This research brief synthesizes the learnings from BIGD’s research on education lives of children during the pandemic and suggests avenues where effective action can be taken. The suggested interventions are the result of an insightful discussion with education experts from around the globe at the online dialogue Evidence to Action: COVID-19 and the Deepening Learning Crisis – How Can We Build Forward Better?, organized by BIGD.
Authors: Rahman, Atiya; Kabir, Eradul; Jahan, Nusrat; Islam; Md Saiful
Type: Research Brief
Year: 2021
