Shillong: The World Bank has approved a major initiative aimed at helping half a million adolescents in Meghalaya transition successfully from school to work. The project, called MPOWER (Meghalaya Multisectoral Project for Adolescent Wellbeing, Empowerment, and Resilience), seeks to address the state’s high dropout rates, which are significantly above the national average.
Key points about the project:
• High Dropout Rates: Meghalaya faces alarming dropout rates, with 11% of students leaving school at the upper primary level, three times the national average. Secondary school dropout rates stand at 22%, nearly double the national figure.
• Comprehensive Approach: The initiative will focus on bridging learning gaps in reading and mathematics for students in grades 6-12. It will also provide mental health support, career guidance, and life skills training for both current students and those who have already dropped out.
• Inspiration from Other Programs: The project builds on successful initiatives in states like Jharkhand and draws inspiration from programs in countries such as Tanzania and Bangladesh, where youth engagement helped significantly reduce dropout rates.
• Addressing Broader Challenges: Meghalaya’s adolescents face numerous challenges, including substance abuse, early marriage, and teenage pregnancy, all of which have complicated efforts to keep students in school. MPOWER will establish community clubs, mentoring programs, and digital platforms to engage both parents and students.
• Sexual Health Education: The initiative will include sexual health education to help prevent teen pregnancies and encourage school completion.
• Entrepreneurship Training: In partnership with the Meghalaya State Skills Development Society, the project will offer business skills training for aspiring entrepreneurs and out-of-school youth.
• Loan Terms: The project is funded through a loan from the International Bank of Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), with a 15-year maturity period, including a 5-year grace period.
World Bank’s Country Director for India, Auguste Tano Kouamé, stated, “This holistic approach builds on successful initiatives in states like Jharkhand,” highlighting the importance of a multi-sectoral approach to youth empowerment.
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