Non-formal education system must be strengthened to boost literacy: State Minister

State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj has said nearly four crore people in the country still remain outside the scope of literacy and formal education. To bring this vast population under education, the non-formal education system must be made stronger, result-oriented and more effective.

He made the remarks as the chief guest at a discussion meeting and 'Non-Formal Education Award' ceremony organised at the Bureau of Non-Formal Education auditorium in the capital on Tuesday, September 8, marking International Literacy Day.

"All children will remain in school, every child will receive education based on morality and values, and will acquire skills to build their own careers in the future—that is the main goal of our government," he said.

Bobby Hajjaj said a large portion of the illiterate population are adults, while many children of primary school age also remain outside formal education. Therefore, the highest priority must be given to bringing them back into the mainstream of education and skills.

Highlighting the importance of the Bureau of Non-Formal Education, the state minister said the bureau has the opportunity to work with the largest population among all education-related departments and ministries. He emphasised rescoping, redesigning and refocusing the bureau's ongoing programmes to make them more result-oriented.

Referring to quality change in education, the state minister said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's goal is very clear: no child will remain out of school. A large portion of the education budget must be spent on improving quality, bringing children back to school, increasing literacy and developing skills.

He further said merely increasing the literacy rate is not enough. People must be given education that improves their quality of life, builds values and enables them to play effective roles in their careers.

The event was chaired by Bureau of Non-Formal Education Director General Manowara Ishrat, with Primary and Mass Education Secretary Jesmin Nahar and Additional Secretary Md Mokhleshur Rahman present as special guests.