PANJIM: As the COVID-19 pandemic crisis has forced the education sector to engage in the ubiquitous use of virtual learning, in Goa, nearly 60 per cent schools do not have Internet facility while 84 per cent schools are without ICT lab. This was revealed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) ‘2021 State of the Education Report for India: No Teachers, No Class’.
The report that factors in 2019 data, further points out that 16 per cent of the total schools in Goa has just one teacher. Of the 1,486 schools in the State, 239 (16 per cent) are single teacher schools, out of which 93 per cent are in rural areas.
As per the report, only 40 per cent schools have got internet access while 16 per cent has ICT laboratory facility. Also, 78 per cent schools have libraries.
The report also underlines the fact that nearly 10.28 per cent of pre-primary schools have got under-qualified teachers, whose ratio at primary level is 0.57 per cent. Even at the secondary and higher secondary level, State has got under qualified teachers.
Goa, with 80 per cent, is also amongst the States having the higher proportion of women teachers. UNESCO has appreciated Goa and other States, for recruiting head teachers or principals on merit-based selection system, while teachers are transferred through a transparent online system.
“Like in most other countries, the work performed by Indian teachers needs to be better recognised and valued. Besides, the profession needs to be treated at par with other professions or sectors,” UNESCO has said in their series of recommendation for India.
The organization has also recommended vaccinating all the teachers for safety of the children with re-opening of the schools. “With schools reopening, teachers, especially early childhood educators, will be at high risk of exposure. Recognizing their many contributions, supporting them, vaccinating them fully and ensuring their well-being should be a high priority,” it said.
The report also points out that almost every school in Goa has proper road accessibility with 100 per cent coverage for water and electricity. The State ranks better in providing toilet facility with 99 per cent schools having the same.
Also, 87 per cent classrooms are found to be in a very good condition. It has observed that 85 per cent of the schools receive free textbooks from the government.
In their recommendations put forth, UNESCO has suggested to increase the number of physical education, music, art, vocational education, early childhood and special education teachers, building teacher career pathways, improving term of employment, meaningful ICT training, etc.
