Studies

Employment and Expectations of Former Madrasa Students in Cox’s Bazar: A Cross-Sectional Exploration

Of the large number of students in Bangladesh who enrol in madrasas each year, very few secure a job in the labour market. To assess this alarming situation, the BRAC Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD) carried out a study on the former madrasa students in Cox’s Bazar. The study reveals a very low level of tertiary education among the students, most of whom are dissatisfied with their education system. They believe that greater emphasis should be given to English and mathematics, with many expressing their willingness to receive training on practical skills.

Researchers: Md Shakil Ahmed; Nuzaba Tahreen Rahman; Dr Khandker Wahedur Rahman

Partners: BRAC Skill Development Programme (SDP)

Timeline: May–September 2021

Status: Completed

Method: Quantitative

Contact: Md Shakil Ahmed; shakil.econ@bracu.ac.bd

Context

The increasingly large madrasa sector in Bangladesh caters to over 3.83 million students. Madrasa education, however, hardly promotes any marketable skills for the regular job market; as such, 75% of the madrasa students remain jobless due to the lack of expertise demanded by the contemporary labour market. Against this backdrop, the BRAC Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD) conducted a study to analyze the current economic and labour market outcomes of madrasa graduates and the relevance of madrasa education to the labour market requirements in Bangladesh, which can give proper insights to incorporate these students both into the formal and informal job sectors.

Objectives

The broad objective of this study is to explore the current economic and labour market participation and the expectations of former madrasa students for better employment. Specific objectives of the study include examining their employment status and future expectations, identifying the right skills and training needed, and identifying scopes for interventions.

This study is relevant to SDG 4 (Quality Education), particularly to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Methodology

The study targeted former madrasa students of Cox’s Bazar because of the Rohingya influx-induced changes in the labour market of the district. Using a respondent-driven sampling (RDS) technique for listing the target population, the study ended up with 1,038 eligible individuals; of whom, 782 were surveyed successfully.

Findings and Recommendations

The analysis shows that the surveyed former madrasa students have a low level of tertiary education. Furthermore, most former madrasa students dropped out from the secondary level of education, and very few appeared in Dhakhil and Alim exams.

The vast majority of the madrasa students are not entirely satisfied with the outcome of their education system. They thought it would hardly help them get a job in non-religious institutions. However, they believe that greater emphasis on English, mathematics, and computer literacy in classroom teaching would help to improve the madrasa education system. Moreover, most students seek training to enhance their practical skills, with computer and information technology (IT) support training being on their topmost priority list.

These findings give an early insight into why the graduates/dropouts from madrasa backgrounds are struggling and their current reality. Utilizing these findings will enable more effective action to improve the system that has many individuals under its care.

Up