Stopping School Dropouts_ The Power Of Parental And Community Support

1. Stopping School Dropouts: The Power Of Parental And Community Support Education is not just about getting children into classrooms; it’s about helping them stay there. A good education gives children the tools to build a better future for themselves, their families, and their communities. When a child drops out of school, the ripple effects are deep and long-lasting. It limits their chances of decent work, increases vulnerability, and affects the country’s overall development.

2. However, the good news is that many of the reasons behind student dropouts are not beyond our control. A closer look shows that real change happens when families and communities come together. Why Do Students Drop Out? The reasons may vary, but the story is familiar across many parts of India. Some children leave school because their families simply can’t afford it. Others are pulled into work to support the household. In some rural areas, schools are just too far away. Sometimes, the quality of education pushes them out, especially when they don’t feel like they’re learning anything meaningful. Cultural norms also play a part. Many girls are discouraged from continuing their studies, often due to safety concerns or household responsibilities. What’s more concerning is the emerging data. According to UDISE data for 2023–24, India witnessed a drop of 37 lakh in school enrolment, signalling a worrisome shift in education trends despite various efforts to boost retention.

3. How Parents And Communities Can Help Tackling student dropout isn’t only a job for schools or policymakers. Community engagement in education is vital in supporting students, especially those at risk of leaving school. Here’s how parents and communities can make a difference: Support Financially: Local communities can help children stay in school by raising funds, offering scholarships, and donating supplies. Discourage Child Labour: Awareness drives can highlight the value of education over short-term income. Alternate income sources can also be offered to their families for help.

4. Improve Access: Villages can work with authorities to set up transportation or informal learning spaces closer to home. Raise Quality: Parents and community members can participate in school management, push for better teaching, and track progress. Promote Gender Equality: Changing mindsets about girls’ education can go a long way. Safe travel options, mentorship, and community role models help build trust. Why Parental Involvement Matters

5. Parental involvement is one of the strongest predictors of student success. Children stay engaged and motivated when parents and teachers talk and show interest in their child’s education by helping with homework. A supportive home environment will make learning feel worthwhile. Parents can also work with schools to solve problems early, like learning difficulties, behaviour changes, or social challenges, before they push a child out of school. This is where organisations like EdIndia step in. EdIndia empowers both schools and families to create student-friendly environments by working with educators and community stakeholders. Their programmes focus on building partnerships that put the child at the centre, making education a shared responsibility. Education Is A Collective Effort The fight against school dropouts can’t be won by schools alone. Families and neighbourhoods must be part of the solution. Educating communities and

6. encouraging active involvement creates a stronger support system for every child. After all, it’s all about getting children into school and helping them thrive once they’re there. To explore how you can contribute or learn more about what EdIndia is doing on the ground, visit their website and be part of the change. Link:https://medium.com/@hemant00kumar/stopping-school-dropouts-the-power-of-parental- and-community-support-0a4d8302867e