In an effort to empower marginalized voices in education financing, IID’s Citizen Scorecard findings have been shared at CIES 2024. These findings highlight the importance of gathering evidence to inform and mobilize communities for meaningful change. By turning insights into action, IID aims to raise awareness and inspire collective efforts to transform education financing.
Ms. Falguni Reza, Senior Joint Director of IID, presented a study that identified significant challenges in Bangladesh’s education system, focusing on marginalized communities, specifically the Harijan and Tea Worker groups. The research revealed that 74% of parents feel their children’s educational needs are not addressed in school budgets, leaving them frustrated and powerless.
Using the Citizen Scorecard, IID gathered valuable insights that underscored the urgent need for better access to budgetary information. Many tea workers reported feeling excluded from decision-making processes, which further hinders their ability to advocate for their children’s education. In contrast, budget discussions are often dominated by teachers and administrators, who have greater access to resources and networks.
The study emphasized the importance of collective action, encouraging communities to unite and demand accountability from educational authorities. IID is dedicated to empowering these groups by promoting dialogue among parents, students, schools, and local organizations. Additionally, IID plans to advocate for policy changes at the national level to ensure that the voices of marginalized communities are heard.
With ongoing assessments every six months, IID aims to track progress and ensure that educational budgets truly reflect the needs of all children. By fostering informed choices and collective action, IID is paving the way for more inclusive school budgeting in Bangladesh, ensuring that every child has access to quality education, regardless of their background.