Current situation of NGO-run underprivileged primary schools on ‘continuity of education’ during COVID-19 outbreak

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, all the educational institutions shut down in Bangladesh and around the globe. As a result, a huge amount of underprivileged students was also out of school. So, this study is conducted to understand the real scenario of NGO-run underprivileged primary schools of Dhaka. The strategies schools are taking to cope with changes and how the students are continuing their education were the main areas where the study is focused to. Through qualitative research, the findings have been presented from in-depth interviews and the FGD of the participants. Findings show that during the pandemic children studying in underprivileged schools have faced a pause in education but it didn’t stop. Overall, the pandemic was extremely challenging to cope with but people have adapted over time. Although schools are closed and it seemed like underprivileged children might severely suffer but the reality was not that harsh. The findings of the study would be really helpful to better understand the initiatives by the schools during the pandemic and their thoughts behind them.