VIPP_Unicef

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Mobilizing for Education for All
The World Conference on Education for All, in 1990, called for a
revitalization of people's participation in the education of their
children. However, in Bangladesh, as in many developing countries,
the education system was nationalized shortly after independence and
its administration has become excessively bureaucratic and hierarchical.
As of 1990, education was seen as the duty and responsibility of the
government and the community was little involved.
In order to bring about change in this situation, and to foster a
movement for "Education for All", a VIPP workshop was held in April
1991, with the participation of the Joint Secretary, Planning, Ministry
of Education, other education officials, noted educationists, academics,
NGO leaders and UNICEF officers - a disparate group who seldom
speak the same language when it comes to educational development.
The workshop began with a lecture by the Joint Secretary. He delivered
his vision of social mobilization on overheads. However, when the
projector was turned off a dead silence hung over the room. No one
had questions. The Joint Secretary had delivered what the workshop
was to achieve. The facilitator quickly switched over to a card collection
on problems and opportunities and the workshop began in earnest.
Many of the Joint Secretary's ideas were incorporated in the final plan
but the ownership belonged to the group.
Following the workshop, the plan was further discussed and refined.
It was finally launched by the Prime Minister in April 1992 and the
concept of social mobilization was firmly established on the national
agenda. In the meantime, dozens of people were exposed to VIPP
methods and the concepts of the plan were taken to the divisional,
district, thana, and even union levels for discussion and debate, using
VIPP techniques. For the first time micro-planning was carried out in
a fully participatory manner. Although many structural and personnel
matters need to be solved in educational administration in Bangladesh,
bottom-up planning has begun. It is hoped that this will speed the reentry
of the community into the educational process.
Decade Action Plan for the Girl Child
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has
declared the 1990s as the "Decade of the Girl Child". The Ministry of
Social Welfare in Bangladesh is responsible for coordinating the plans
of a number of social sector ministries on the development of the Girl
Child. The Ministry was encouraged to hold a VIPP workshop on the
issues involved with other ministries and concerned NGOs.
EXAMPLES