The overall attendance rate at primary and secondary schools in Bangladesh has increased significantly over the last two decades but in the same period the quality of education has decreased drastically, according to education specialists and even the practitioners themselves. Planners have especially failed to formulate educational policy to keep pace with global developments in science and technology, while the number of science students in Bangladeshi schools, and at higher education level, continues to fall. It may be worth noting that the falling trend in science students is matched by a rising trend in Business students. The number of SSC candidates under the Science Group category fell from 264,100 in 2001 to 176,880 in 2008. At the same time, those from the Business Group rose from 129,821 in 2001 to 239,441 in 2008. Similar trends are seen at Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and university entry/degree levels. Statistics of the National University shows that 5.4 percent of students enrolled in Bachelor of Science courses in 1993, but the rate declined to 4.6 percent and 3.3 percent in 1994 and 1995 respectively. Hence, the number of science students are falling at all stages of our education system. situation is comparatively worse in rural areas.

Recent baseline survey, conducted by Bangladesh Freedom foundation, shows that 66% schools do not have laboratory and 80 percent of rural school children in Bangladesh have no access to a laboratory. In the few schools that do have laboratories, either too many students vie to use the equipment or the faculty simply bars student access to the laboratory and/or equipment on the pretext that if the equipment is damaged it will be prohibitive to replace. Practical classes for school leaving examinations are supposed to begin from Class IX, but in reality, most schools don’t start teaching practical classes until Class X, and mere attendance ensures passing marks. Moreover, students’ enthusiasm for and attendance in practical classes is found to be low.

The project, ‘Promoting Science Education’, aims to address the problems of declining interest and standards in science education among secondary school students through a student-led platform. This involves initiating and guiding student-led extracurricular activities that encourage an interest in science topics. The project currently focuses on launching student-led ‘Science Clubs’ that provide space for discussion and experimentation. Students are encouraged to lead and manage the activities of the clubs themselves, with some guidance from their teachers and support from the partner organizations.

Major Activities include: Formation of Science Clubs, Organizing Science Fairs in Schools and Among the Schools (Inter-Schools), Publication of Wall Magazines, Quiz, Reading Circles, Camp, Teachers’ Orientation and Organizing Different Events through Science Clubs round the year.

Implementing Partners (NGOs)

Phased Out Partners