This week we are discussing Millennium Development Goal* (MDG) 2: to achieve universal primary education. Target is to ensure, by 2015, children everywhere, boys and girls alike, will be able to complete a full course of primary schooling. Indicators for achieving this goal are: net enrollment ratio in primary education, proportion of pupils starting grade 1 who reach last grade of primary, and literacy rate of 15-24 year-olds, women and men.
*reference blog post 1 for background information on MDG's.
We are focusing on Nepal specifically.
*reference blog post 1 for background information on MDG's.
We are focusing on Nepal specifically.
![Picture](/uploads/6/1/2/6/61268149/1810024.png?1444841514)
As shown in the picture the MDG from 1999 to 2013 has improved 42%. They have a high enrollment level and almost have reached the goal of universal primary education. Nepal is above regional (Southern Asia) average for universal primary schooling. However, the quality of schooling is still in question. While enrollment is continuing its hard to determine if there is age appropriate knowledge being taught. While enrollment rate is high, the amount of people actually finishing is only 60% as of 2013.
http://mdgs.un.org/unsd/mdg/data.aspx
What was done to reach the goal of higher enrollment?
Why is the percentage of dropout high?
How is this related to health?
Those who have better education are more likely to obtain a job and therefore be able to provide nourishment for themselves and their families, which helps keep disease away. Also, increasing education is beneficial because people will be more aware of what causes illness and have more access to healthcare.
http://mdgs.un.org/unsd/mdg/data.aspx
What was done to reach the goal of higher enrollment?
- Access to school - through direct investment, 90% of student live within 30 minutes of a school
- Abolishing school fees - socio-economic status is a factor, wealthier children are more likely to finish than lower income children
Why is the percentage of dropout high?
- family commitments
- financial responsibilities
- early marriage
- tradition
How is this related to health?
Those who have better education are more likely to obtain a job and therefore be able to provide nourishment for themselves and their families, which helps keep disease away. Also, increasing education is beneficial because people will be more aware of what causes illness and have more access to healthcare.
Nepalese children attending school
https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/improve-education-for-nepali-girls-and-minorities/
https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/improve-education-for-nepali-girls-and-minorities/
QUESTION:
Why is there a high drop out rate for children in Nepal?
Why is there a high drop out rate for children in Nepal?