Kathmandu: A Department of Education report published recently shows the number of girl students in private schools much lower than boys, while in community schools, girls’ number exceeded that of boys.

The report said that of the total enrollment of 7,782,291 students, 85.8 per cent are at basic level (Grade I to VIII) and 14.5 per cent at secondary level (Grade IX to XII).

The proportion of girls at basic level is 10.6 per cent while the share of boys at basic level stood at 14 per cent. Similarly the enrollment of girls at basic level in community schools is 89.4 per cent while for boys, it is 86 per cent.

Out of total enrollment, girls constitute almost 50.2 per cent at basic level and 49.3 per cent at secondary level.

Rajya Laxmi Nakarmi, chief, Gender Equity Section, Department of Education, blamed the indifference of parents towards daughters’ education for such situation.

She said, “Despite having enough money to teach their daughters in private schools, many are still sending their girls to community schools and boys to private schools.” She said that awareness among parents on giving same opportunity to their children regardless of gender was must to improve the scenario.

Rajesh Khadka, president of Private and Boarding Schools Association of Nepal, echoed the same.

“Lower middle class and lower class people send their sons to private schools and daughters to community schools.”

source: The Himalayan Times