The Bongaigaon district faces profound challenges stemming from extreme poverty, inadequate access to basic amenities, and prevalent social issues such as child labor and early marriage. With 90% of the population belonging to minority communities and 10% to Scheduled Castes, economic struggles are pervasive, compelling families to prioritize survival over education. The predominant livelihood, agriculture, is often disrupted by floods, pushing families into precarious occupations like construction labor and brick-making.
Child marriage compounds these challenges, hindering young people’s education and perpetuating cycles of poverty and gender inequality. Despite efforts to promote education, many children are forced to drop out of school to support their families financially. The lack of incentives and opportunities for education, coupled with seasonal migration for employment, exacerbates high dropout rates in the region.
In addition to economic hardships, poor education standards persist due to neglect, inadequate infrastructure, and uninspiring teaching methods. Parental neglect and community indifference further contribute to irregular attendance and dropout rates. Government schools often lack essential facilities and suffer from ineffective management, leading to a substandard learning environment.
Furthermore, contemporary youth face myriad challenges, including globalization, drug abuse, and the allure of digital entertainment, making them susceptible to negative influences. Addressing these complex issues requires targeted interventions aimed at empowering youth to make positive choices and actively participate in shaping their future and that of their community.
In response to these challenges, an organization initiated an education program in 2008, starting small and gradually expanding to cover 28 villages and reach 1264 children annually. The program encompasses early childhood education, remedial classes for academically weak children, dropout prevention initiatives, awareness campaigns, and the formation of children’s associations. By providing holistic support and empowerment opportunities, the program aims to break the cycle of poverty and empower youth to become agents of positive change in their communities.
To enhance the education scenario in the Bongaigaon district and address the multifaceted challenges faced by the community, we are implementing the following comprehensive program: