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Why include three more classes at primary schools?

June 05, 2009 00:00:00


THE new Awami League (AL)-led government is considering to extend primary education up to Grade VIII. Now it is up to Grade V. Most of the primary schools are of the government while most of the secondary schools are non-government.
The government primary schools are in bad shape. The students of the government primary schools, particularly in the big cities, come from low income families. Even the children of the teachers' of the government primary schools do not want to study in these schools as they know the quality of teaching in these institutions.
It will be a great mistake to include three more classes with the primary schools. It would mean, two scholarship exams, for Grade V and VIII, will go under the primary education. Now Grade VIII is under the secondary education.
The secondary school teachers say that the students learn nothing in the primary schools. After studying more than five years in the secondary schools, one third of the examinees do not pass in the SSC exams.
Will it be possible for the secondary school teachers to better prepare the students for the SSC exams by teaching them only for in Class IX and X?
A huge financial expenditure will be needed to extend primary education up to Grade VIII. More rooms have to be built for the primary schools and more teachers will have to be recruited for these institutions.
Though the government and a member of non-government organisations (NGOs) including BRAC, Plan Bangladesh etc., are working for the improvement of primary education. No positive change is visible. Problems occur due to duplication of work by more than one NGO.
I would like to draw the attention of the education minister and the government to the need for attaching greater importance and attention to the problem mentioned above.

Imdadul Haque
Keya
Kumerkhali
Kushtia

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