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There is widespread recognition across Andhra Pradesh that every child has a right to education. This has led to improvement in school enrolment and physical access to schools. However, the rise in dropout percentages despite the increasing enrolment indicates problems in infrastructure as well as the teaching and learning processes. Low levels of literacy, high dropout rates (40.3% in 2000), serious disparities across gender, regions, social groups, are commonly noted by many groups working on education in Andhra Pradesh.

The share of elementary education in the total expenditure on education continues to be below 50% as against the required 65-70% to achieve universal literacy. Andhra Pradesh's allocation is lower than both the national average and southern states. The share of the state in education has, in fact, declined. A study of state budgets by the Reserve Bank of India reveals that Andhra Pradesh's share of education in the state's total expenditure has declined from 13.35% in 2001 to 8.5% during 2005-06.

"Although, there is a massive push towards enrollment in schools especially under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan" said Ms.Shireen Miller, Head of Policy and Advocacy, Save the Children. "The important issue of ensuring quality education goes largely unaddressed by the government. Our research has shown that lack of quality is a major contributor to the large drop –out rate of children from schools, and urgently needs to be addressed if we want children to stay in school. Save the Children believes that children know what is wrong and what needs to be set right. If we listen to them carefully, they would give us pointers on the issues that concern them and us."

Save the Children conducted a study in 2006 to understand and define minimum standards for the provision of education in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The study consulted parents, teachers, Panchayat Raj Institutions, Village Education Committees, district authorities and children in all regions of the state.

Children were the key stakeholders in contributing towards the definition of Quality education. It is defined by them "as an education that empowers children of all communities to attain standards achieved by students in the best schools across the state and the country." The education process can be broken down into the following components, physical infrastructure, the learning process, and the role of the community in ensuring the delivery of quality education. The study found problems in the implementation of all these components. The study recommends the implementation of ten minimum standard s for achieving quality education. These take on board concerns of children like Shahbana and Haseesna.

Shahbana one of children who participated in the study remarked "Can we get a very beautiful childhood, without any problems, going to work.. We want to play in the schools and want to go to school. Can you support?"

Haseesna from Hasan Nagar who also participated in study wished "that every school should. teach in practical way rather than showing every thing in theoretical ... This I think will build self confidence among each and every child. "

"At Save the Children we are continually aware of news of children in schools as victims of abuse including sexual abuse, and as helpless victims in fires, accidents, building collapses and several other easily preventable occurrences" said, Mr. Laxminarayana, Programme Manager, Save the Children, Andhra Pradesh. "The research therefore, retained the core issues of violation of child rights in schools as the base.

Through this event we are hope to reach out to the key stakeholders in the government and academia and bring to their attention about the issues are plaguing the provision of quality education in the state. As follow up to this workshop, Save the Children is planning to organize regional and district level events and create mass mobilization to increase the public accountability towards making quality of education in schools effective. We would like to play critical role in supporting the state government in implementing these minimum standards and at the same time work towards ensuring educational rights of children, which is also fundamental rights.

Notes to the Editor

Save the Children is an leading international child rights agency and a member of International Save the Children Alliance. Save the children fights for children's rights, deliver immediate and lasting improvements to children's lives worldwide.

Save the Children is the world's largest independent organisation for children, making a difference to children's lives in over 120 countries. From emergency relief to long-term development, Save the Children helps children to achieve a happy, healthy and secure childhood. Save the Children listens to children, involves children and ensures their views are taken into account. Save the Children secures and protects children's rights – to food, shelter, health care, education and freedom from violence, abuse and exploitation.

In India, we have been working for over three decades, addressing children's issues through child centered – rights based approach, and facilitating the call for recognizing children as citizen and for realizing their rights We work in the following sectors Education, Child Protection, Health and HIV/AIDS. In Andhra Pradesh, save the children supports nine NGO partners spread over in nine districts. Education, child protection, HIV and AIDS and emergency are some of the thematic areas for Save the Children. Through our programmatic intervention, we reach around 300 schools, 350 villages and approximately 1.2 lakhs children in the state. We have around 350 children groups across the state act (as partners of change in the society). In our work we are constantly challenged by children to realize their needs by influencing policy formulation and implementation.

For further detail contact:

Save the children, South Zone Office , MCh No: 621, Padmavathi Nagar, Erramanzil Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh – 500 082 Phone No: 040- 2337 9645, Fax No: 040-2337 9685 and website http://www.savethechildren.in/