Scoping the needs of out-of-school children and youth in South-East Asia

• In Event: Exploring digital technologies to enhance the inclusion of out-of-school children

Proposal

Given the scarcity of up-to-date data and the recognition of new factors such as advancements in educational technology, globalisation, and climate change that may influence school dropout and non-enrollment rates, it is crucial to reassess the situation in Southeast Asia with regard to OOSCY. Therefore, through the ASEAN-UK Supporting the Advancement of Girls Education (SAGE) programme, a rapid scoping study on OOSCY was conducted by the Southeast Asia Ministers of Education Office and EdTech Hub. This study aimed to provide a quick assessment of the current situation of OOSCY in Southeast Asia, identify key barriers, evaluate existing policies and programmes, and highlight areas for improvement. The findings will inform the development of policy recommendations and the design of targeted pilot programmes or the scaling up of existing initiatives.

To support this aim, the scoping study builds upon existing evidence about OOSCY in Southeast Asia (including UNESCO and SEAMEO’s 2023 Global Education Monitoring Report for Southeast Asia, and EdTech Hub’s Rapid Evidence Review on OOSCY in Southeast Asia) by focusing on identifying: the key demographics of OOSCY across 11 countries within the region; the factors that contribute to drop-out; the policy environment for OOSCY education; and the effectiveness of existing interventions, including those that leverage EdTech. To explore these areas, the study combined a digital, multilingual survey sent to national and regional education stakeholders (government officials, UN agency staff, NGO staff, academics), semi-structured interviews with OOSCY, caregivers and teachers in each participating country, and a review of the available secondary data. The data generated through these activities are currently being analysed and findings and recommendations will be available ahead of CIES.

Authors

• Katrina Barnes, Jigsaw

• Habibah Abdul Rahim, SEAMEO Secretariat

• Emiljohn Sentillas, SEAMEO Secretariat

• Amal Hayat, EdTech Hub

• Haani Mazari, EdTech Hub