Tech education at primary level from 2011

Dhaka, July 7 (bdnews24.com) — The government has decided to introduce technical education in primary schools from January, 2011 in at least one school in each Upazila.

State minister for primary and mass education Md Motahar Hossain told bdnews24.com about the decision on Wednesday.

Hossain said that the ministry has already requested Tk 100 million to implement the decision.

He further added that the ministry would implement it gradually within one year if they do not get the total amount at a time.

The state minister said that students of third, fourth and fifth grades will be included in the proposed programme.

"The initiatives have been taken to give students a better idea about real life."

The government will handle the total management, he added.

Hossain said that they would take measures to provide education in the afternoon and night shifts to accommodate child labourers and their families.

Secretary Md Shaheen Khan said that the technical education has been going on in 73 primary schools across the country under Children Welfare Trust.

"We are trying to add realistic education to the mainstream system from the primary level," he added.

Ministry sources said that a children welfare trust named 'Pathakoli Trust' was established in 1989 for the advancement of deprived street children so that they can be engaged in various economic activities.

Some 73 trusts were established then across the country including Dhaka and Narayanganj.

The programme was halted by the BNP government in 1991. It was, however, reopened by the Awami League government in 1996.

From 2005, every student of 73 schools has been given Tk 1,250 while each school gets Tk 30,000 every year to bear their costs.

Twenty-two schools have been set up under the project till now. Risky structures were also repaired at a cost of Tk 18.4 million.

The secretary said preparations were underway to formulate a curriculum.

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