NCPA focuses on school drop-outs

by Ananda KANNANGARA

The National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) has focused attention on children who have left school before they are 16 years.

According to a survey, many schoolchildren have given up their education even before sitting the GCE (O/L) examination due to various reasons.

The NCPA is of the view that when the Government is providing all facilities for children to have free education, it is the duty of parents to send their children to school as every child should have a school education from Grade one.

The research also indicates that children in low income groups and children who are isolated due to the loss of parents are the most vulnerable in giving up their education before reaching the age limit.

It is reported that most children in the estate sector stop their education half-way and assist their parents in estate work. Another research indicates that some children whose parents, especially their mothers are employed overseas give up education at a tender age.

This situation has reduced to a great extent due to scholarships and financial assistance provided by the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment for children of migrant workers.

The Bureau also grants vocational training courses free for these children after their secondary education.

NCPA Chairperson Anoma Dissanayake told the Sunday Observer that she has already directed authorities in the Education Department to carry out a survey on such children and look into the reasons of their inability to attend school.The NCPA also urged the public to extend their co-operation by providing details of such children.

Dissanayake also warned parents to encourage their children to pursue educational activities as they should realise that when children do not have a proper education, they would have more problems and be a burden to society.It is reported that children whose parents beg and live on pavements have never attended school due to poverty and authorities should take steps in this regard.