Published in: The Daily Star
Date: 01 November, 2020

Finds BYLC-MJF survey on youth development in Covid-19 era

Regional and institution-wise disparity in digital infrastructure and readiness affected students’ learning during the pandemic, as only 39 percent of youth said their educational institutions were offering online classes in July 2020, a recent survey shows.

According to the survey, more than 50 percent of the youth surveyed referred to online classes taken by their educational institutions as “slightly effective” and “not that effective” due to the lack of interaction between teachers and students, lack of learning materials and teachers’ inability to conduct classes online.

They also mentioned that classes on theoretical subjects were organised but lab classes were postponed or cancelled. The findings were presented at a webinar last evening, titled “Youth development in the Covid-19 era and beyond”, organised by Bangladesh Youth Leadership Center (BYLC), and supported by Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) and UKAid. The survey focused on understanding the impact of Covid-19 on youth’s education, employment, entrepreneurial opportunities, and mental well-being. It was conducted with 1,464 youth aged between 18 and 35 from different socioeconomic backgrounds across the country.

62 percent of young entrepreneurs reported that they had to shut down their businesses temporarily or permanently due to the pandemic.

Besides, 61 percent of survey participants mentioned experiencing mental stress due to Covid-19, but only 20 percent of them who felt an emotional crisis during the pandemic took expert advice. Women were found more reluctant in seeking services than men. MJF executive director Shaheen Anam, in her speech of special guest, said issues of the youth should be over-emphasised in Covid-19 because our future depends on how we are going to manage them.

Mentioning poor internet infrastructure, she said online education is new in our perspective and the government is trying its best. “We cannot expect a hundred percent achievement as we have limitations and the remote students lack smart technology and devices,” she added.

Regarding employment, she said, “Employment crisis was there and now it has become more evident and challenging. We have to revive our economy and it will create job opportunities as well as entrepreneurs,” she said. Shaheen Anam also stressed on the importance of counselling for students, as they are staying home and are not being able to make face to contact with their peers and share their problems.

Deputy education minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury, chief guest at the webinar, urged the youth to achieve technical, vocational as well as life skills to flourish. The current government has opted out of the age barrier for receiving technical and vocational education, he said.

Tina F Zabeen, managing director and CEO of Startup Bangladesh Limited also spoke at the event, moderated by Ejaj Amed, president and founder of BYLC.

Source: https://www.thedailystar.net/city/news/online-classes-not-effective-1987313