Condition of child education in Nepal

No better is the situation of a large majority of children in this Himalayan country.As per the latest National Census of Nepal, total population of children below the age of 18 years is 11.5 million - of which over 2.6 million are estimated to be child labourers. It means that 22.61% of total Nepali children are involved in labour of one sort or the other. On top of that, about 306,115 children (See the table) are forced to get involved in the worst forms of labour, as described by the International Labour Organisation (ILO). The children in the worst forms of labour are meted out with the most hazardous work conditions and inhumane treatment. The child workers are not only deprived of food and other basic needs, but also of education needs.

The situation has worsened during the 10 years of armed Maoist insurgency. Despite the calls of human rights activists, international community and civil society, both of the warring parties were reportedly involved in violating child rights in various forms and at varying magnitudes. these years of politico-economic crisis.Many schools and educational institutions have been destructed in bomb and grenade blasts, or used as the government army or rebel camp. In other incidents of atrocities, many students have been abducted and forcefully recruited by rebels, while government forces have apprehended and harassed them and teachers on the pretentious charge of terrorist. The war has left thousands of children homeless and orphans.

The nation's socio-economic crisis has also failed Nepal in investing and spending in social sectors like child education, health and welfare. All hese developments have increased the need for providing various types of assistance and support to the children-at-risk.