Why Many Students in Tanahun Are Leaving School Early
Tanahun is struggling with a quiet crisis—too many children are leaving school before they finish their education.
Data from the Education Development and Coordination Unit paints a worrying picture. Out of every 100 children who start school in grade 1, only about 42 make it through to grade 12. The rest—nearly 58 percent—drop out along the way.
The Numbers Tell the Story
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In grades 1–5, about 94 percent of children are enrolled.
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By grades 6–8, this slips to 93.3 percent.
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In grades 9–10, only 71.6 percent remain.
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By grades 11–12, less than half—just 41.9 percent—are still in school.
Both boys and girls are equally affected. Around 57 percent of boys and 57.9 percent of girls leave their studies unfinished.
Why Are Students Dropping Out?
Krishna Prasad Shrestha, Head of the Education Development and Coordination Unit, says the reasons are deeply rooted in everyday struggles. Parents often cannot afford the costs of schooling, job opportunities inside Nepal remain limited, and quality education is not equally accessible.
He explains, “When teenagers face financial pressure and social stress, their confidence weakens. Without the right environment or guidance, they often give up on school.”
The Role of Parents and Schools
Parents’ involvement is critical—but many cannot give time to their children’s education, while others simply lack the financial means to support them.
Kedar Raj Acharya, Information Officer and Head of the Education Section at Byas Municipality, believes the solution lies in stronger cooperation. “If parents and schools work hand in hand, it will be much easier to keep students in classrooms,” he says.
Acharya also criticized the gap between talk and action. While education reform is often discussed, very few real steps have been taken to reduce dropout rates.
What Could Help Students Stay in School?
Local educators suggest several ways to turn things around:
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Deploy more qualified and committed teachers.
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Run extra classes for students who fall behind.
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Provide regular counseling and moral guidance.
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Expand scholarship opportunities for those in need.
As Acharya puts it, “Keeping children in school is not only the responsibility of teachers or parents—it requires joint effort from schools, families, and education authorities. Only then can we bring lasting change.”
Tanahun School News