TALUQAN (SW) – Authorities in Takhar have confirmed the dropout rate from schools in the province, particularly in the rural area, is on the rise.
Sami Abdyaar, head of the directorate of education, told Salam Watandar more than 30 per cent of boys and girls between class eight and 11 have quit schools. He added most of these students quit studies due to poverty, and an overwhelming majority of the boys are seeking to migrate abroad.
In regard to girls, he said lack of female teachers, proper school builds and boundary walls are the main reasons forcing them to quit studies. Abdyaar feared if situation persisted, most of the schools in Takhar would remain idle.
According to the head of the directorate for education, situation was particularly worst in villages around Taluqan, and in Hazar Samoch, Kalafgan, Bangi and Namak Aab districts.
Many children quitting schools are busy in hard-labor as well. In Namak Aab district alone, up to 200 children of school going age are working in salt mines.
Esmat Qurbani, member of the provincial council, said situation was worrying. He blamed the government for not doing enough to attract students to schools.
The local officials vowed to have formed committees to attract and enroll more and more children in schools. The Ministry of Education has also pledged additional perks for female teachers willing to work in remote areas of the country.
ENDS
