A Revised Concise View of Solutions to Problem of Dropouts

Solutions for Reserved Category

As our group members have pointed out, the caste system, extant in our society is an evil manifestation. However we teachers must make a conscious effort to eliminate this. This change must start from ourselves, from within our mind and heart. If we as teachers practice equity and fairness in our day to day lives, our students will automatically imbibe these values from us. We also touched upon the idea that a slow but necessary change must be brought about in the attitudes of parents towards education. This can be done by showing parents the importance of education and strength of unity. 

Adding on to this list of solutions we suggest that rural schools must impart knowledge through instruction in the mother-tongue.

Also discrimination against the reserved category students is a major cause of the high drop-out rates. Three methods of reducing such discrimination and making the school environment comfortable would be Uniformity and Dignity of Labour. A sense of equality can be achieved when all students irrespective of Caste, wear the same uniform provided by the school to all students. The second method consists of imparting to all students the Dignity of Labour, which may be achieved by participation of all students, irrespective of caste, in maintaining cleanliness of school premises (i.e. cleaning the classrooms and toilets) and organizing of events such as sports day and annual day. Thirdly, the morning assembly must include prayers of all religions and every child irrespective of caste must be taught and made to recite the prayers. 

Another solution that came up and was agreed upon during our discussion was that teachers must make conscious efforts to create a student friendly environment, in which every child irrespective of his/her caste feels safe enough to pursue their desire to learn.

Solutions for Female Students 

A preference for male children is another malady prevalent in the Indian Culture. Such biased attitudes have led many, especially the rural and economically poor groups to believe that education of girls/women is inconsequential. However, we suggest that sensitization of parents towards importance of girl child education is the need of the hour. Inspirational female role models such as Sania Mirza, Saina Nehwal and Kalpana Chawla can be used to motivate girls to attend school and retain them in schools. 

 Another argument we put forth is that one of the chief reasons for female students dropping out is the lack of proper toilets. The school must therefore construct toilets with running water and hygienic conditions if they wish to retain female students in school after they hit puberty. 

To add to this list of solutions, we are of the opinion that girls must be provided safe transit to and from home and school. We state this because, very often parents, especially in rural areas are afraid to send their girls to school because of increasing incidents of sexual abuse against girls. There are numerous instances where girls are sexually assaulted when on the way to or from home and school. 

Another way of minimising drop-outs of female students is to provide variety of vocational courses such as weaving/knitting/tailoring/baking. These courses equip girls with skills which can be used to augment their family's income. 

Solutions Applicable to Both Groups of Students

A further incentive, which is already being practised in many parts of India, is that of the Mid-Day Meal. However, the school must maintain quality of food served, by having various quality checks, while implementing this incentive.   

A variety of NGOs already working in the field of education could be roped in. Volunteers of such NGOs could conduct workshops and seminars for girls as well as for all students in general. Tie-ups with NGOs could also provide the school with additional funding, which can be used to improve the school infrastructure and provide better quality materials to students.

A Concise Version of Solutions to the Problem of Drop-outs in Remote Rural Schools

Solutions for Female Students 

A preference for male children is another malady prevalent in the Indian Culture. Such biased attitudes have led many, especially the rural and economically poor groups to believe that education of girls/women is inconsequential. However, as Viren has suggested, sensitization of parents towards importance of girl child education is the need of the hour. Inspirational female role models such as Sania Mirza, Saina Nehwal, Kalpana Chawla can be used to motivate girls to attend school and retain them in schools.
 Nida argues that one of the chief reasons for female students dropping out is the lack of proper toilets. The school must therefore construct toilets with running water and hygienic conditions if they wish to retain female students in school after they hit puberty.
To add to the list of solutions, I, Taronish, am of the opinion that girls must be provided safe transit to and from home and school. I state this because, very often parents,especially in rural areas are afraid to send their girls to school because of increasing incidents of sexual abuse against girls. There are numerous instances where girls are sexually assaulted when on the way to or from home and school.
Another way of minimising drop-outs of female students is to provide variety of vocational courses such as weaving/knitting/tailoring/baking. These courses equip girls with skills which can be used to augment their family's income.

Solutions for Reserved Category

As Viren has pointed out, the caste system, extant in our society is an evil manifestation. However we teachers must make a conscious effort to eliminate this. This change must start from ourselves, from within our minds and hearts. If we as teachers practice equity and fairness in our daily lives, our students will automatically imbibe these values from us. Viren also touched upon the idea that a slow but necessary change must be brought about in the attitudes of parents towards education. This can be done by showing parents the importance of education and strength of unity. 

Nida added to this list of solutions by suggesting that rural schools must impart knowledge through instruction in the mother-tongue.

In addition to these solutions, I, Taronish, also feel that discrimination against the reserved category students is a major cause of the high drop-out rates. Three methods of reducing such discrimination and making the school environment comfortable so as to reduce drop-out rates, would be Uniformity, Dignity of Labour and Assembly time. A sense of equality can be achieved when all students irrespective of Caste, wear the same uniform provided by the school to all students. The second method consists of imparting to all students the Dignity of Labour, which may be achieved by participation of all students, irrespective of caste, in maintaining cleanliness of school premises (i.e. cleaning the classrooms and toilets). Thirdly, the morning assembly must include prayers of all religions and every child irrespective of caste must be taught and made to recite the prayers. 

    

For Students of Reserved Classes:

Personally, I don't believe in "Caste System", because it divides all of us. But it is a harsh reality that we all are divided according to the caste.
First of all the teachers has to stop thinking or dividing the students in terms of caste. We have to build our vision as all students are equal. If we have such attitude, we can build a vision of keeping all the students together and teach them and treat them as equal. What will happen is that students will also influence by the same vision.
Parents' attitude can't be change as such but we can handover them the idea of equality and importance and benefits of being unite and working together.
Mainly, our politicians have to stop playing dirty politics and have to stop dividing us. Because unknowingly by discriminating they are harming the whole country including themselves.
 

For dropouts of female students:

The most difficult part is to understand the attitude of the parents and to teach them the importance of education especially for Girls. To make this possible, we can take the help of Gram Panchayat or other communist. With the help of Gram Panchayat, we can organize literacy programs. Through video presentation and easy communication language which they speak, we can endeavour to make them realize or even visualize the need of education. 

We can take help of some celebrities like, Saina Nehwal, Mary Kom or Sania Mirza who allcan encourage the parents to adopt new attitude.     

We can take help of NGOs who all work for women empowerment.

Removal of women's illiteracy, major emphasis will be laid on women's participation in vocational, technical and  professional education at different levels.