Farm as learning arena
Farm as a Learning Arena: Empowering Youth through EDS Initiatives
In Bangladesh, youth face significant challenges, including high dropout rates, gang involvement, early marriage, and limited job skills. Current statistics show that the dropout rate for students aged 5-24 has tripled from 3.10% in 2019 to 9.36% in 2023, largely due to factors like poverty, lack of interest in school, and gang involvement (Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, Dhaka Tribune, October 31, 2024). Many young people feel disconnected from traditional schooling, often finding it boring or irrelevant to their lives (World Bank, 2019), which contributes to their struggle with critical thinking and decision-making skills.
At EDS, we embrace a living theory of education that focuses on empowerment and inclusivity by transforming our farm into a learning arena. Here, youth engage in cultivating rice, vegetables, and fish, which fosters hands-on learning and the development of essential life skills. This practical approach embodies our belief that experience-based learning can cultivate resilience and responsibility among participants. It encourages teamwork, problem-solving, and interdisciplinary knowledge. Through our programs, students connect subjects like math, science, social studies, English, and agriculture etc, linking their education to real-life applications. For instance, students create budgets for their farm projects, learn about ecosystems in science, and improve their communication skills in English as they collaborate on these tasks. This method promotes lifelong learning, demonstrating that education is an ongoing journey that extends beyond the classroom.
The results have been transformative. Youth who once struggled with self-doubt and poor behavior now engage eagerly in learning, embodying the values of resilience and responsibility inherent in our living theory. Observations indicate improved critical thinking skills and responsible decision-making among participants. With over 27.96% of the population aged 15-29 (Daily Star, April 10, 2023), nurturing these young individuals is vital for the future of Bangladesh. By instilling love, patience, and confidence, EDS creates future community leaders and role models who are equipped to positively impact their surroundings.
Our experience demonstrates that practical, experience-based learning significantly enhances educational outcomes, reinforcing our living theory that emphasizes the importance of connection and application in education. We encourage other organizations and educators to adopt similar strategies to engage youth, as it fosters real-world skills, positive behavior, and a lasting passion for education. By prioritizing collaboration and sustainability, we not only address immediate educational needs but also contribute to a more interconnected and responsible society.