Evaluation of Educational Complexes in Odisha

Abstract

Setting up of Education Complex in low literacy pockets for development of female literacy in tribal areas was introduced as a scheme by Govt. of India in 1993-94 which was revised in 2008. The scheme aims to bridge the gap in literacy level between the general female population and tribal women, through facilitating 100% enrollment of tribal girls in the identified District or Blocks, more particularly in naxal affected areas and in areas inhabited by Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), and reducing drop-outs at the elementary level. The evaluation study was taken up to study whether the Educational Complexes are running on desired lines and verify whether the purpose of the Educational Complexes is complied with present functioning of schools. The study covered all the 19 educational complexes run by OMTES. In order to make a comparative assessment, 50% of total educational complexes run by NGOs were selected on the basis of random sampling. A total of 13 districts, 17 Micro Projects, 2 ITDAs, 8 NGOs and 27 schools were covered for the purpose. The study reveals as an impact of the Education complex the awareness about value of education among parents has improved a lot. Establishment of educational complex in remote pockets and naxal affected areas have improved access to education and girls got the scope to avail higher studies. The functioning of the Educational Complex was evaluated based on the following parameters viz: administration and management, school and hostel infrastructure, quality of education, safety and security of girl children and vocational education. While the study found that setting up of educational complex has not only led to enhancement in enrollment of ST girls to schools but also has a positive impact in the overall development of the area. The key issues highlighted in the functioning of the educational complex are shortage of full-fledged graduate trained teachers as per requirement, lack of in-service training provided to the community teachers, no vocational trainings extended to students which is one of the objectives of educational complex.Student absenteeism and drop out of students remains a major area of concern.As a way forward the study has recommended that efforts need to be taken to fill up the vacant posts of teachers and non-teaching staff to enhance quality education and for smooth functioning of schools. In upgraded high schools, required number of trained graduate teachers should immediately be deployed. To improve quality education and retention of students activities like social mobilization and awareness campaign may be organized in PVTG villages. Full-fledged infrastructure facility with separate class rooms, hostel accommodation, play ground facility etc should be made available in all schools. Capacity building of community teachers should be enhanced by organising training programmes for them. Besides, in service training like orientation and refresher trainings from time to time has to be carried out. Intensive training on Life Skill Education and safety and security guidelines need to be provided to all school staff members. District Education Support Agency should be constituted and made functional which will be responsible to discharge the responsibilities like ensuring enrollment and retention of students, linking to placement agencies, facilitating vocational and skill development trainings to the children.