Inter-lInkages between PoPulatIon DynamIcs anD DeveloPment In ...

Addressing Inter-linkages between Population Dynamics and Development in the Second PovertyReduction Strategy PaperSince 2005, the Five-Year Plans have been replaced by the PRSP. Each PRSP is for a period of 3 years.Currently, the PRSP 2 - National Strategy for Accelerated Poverty Reduction, 2009-2011 - is in operation.The PRSP 2 aims to “accelerate poverty reduction through private sector development, concerted and supportivegovernment efforts, and effective participation of civil society in a corruption free democratic” governanceand is committed to achieving the MDGs related to poverty alleviation, hunger, diseases, illiteracy, environmentaldegradation and discrimination against women by 2015. It provides the roadmap for pro-poor economicgrowth - growth process which reduces poverty, and in anticipation that the poorer sections would receive aproportionately greater share of benefits of the growth policy, thus resulting in, their eventual breakout ofpoverty. It consists of the following five strategic blocks:Macro-economic Critical areas of EssentialEffective socialenvironment for focus for pro- infrastructure forHumanprotection forpro-poor economic poor economic pro-poor developmentvulnerable peoplegrowth growth economic growthA review of the PRSP 2 showed that population dynamics and its inter-linkages are reflected in many of thesectoral plannings, as discussed below.EducationRecognising that investment in improving knowledge base is essential for effective poverty reduction andachieving sustainable development, the PRSP 2 undertakes a broad improvement of the education deliverysystem at all levels:• Early childhood and pre-school education. Early childhood and pre-school education is not part of thepublicly provided education due to inadequate funding, however, it is in demand. Efforts are made toensure that they are available in rural areas. The government will provide encouragement and support tothe non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and community-based organisations (CBOs) for expansion ofthe programmes.• Primary and Madrasha education. The Second Primary Education Development Programme, 2003-2009(PEDP II) is on-going to improve the quality of education through: (i) introduction of Primary SchoolQuality Level Standards; (ii) increased access, participation and completion of primary education; and (iii)adopting a child-centred approach in the classroom.• Secondary general and Madrasha education. Improve quality of education to ensure the curriculumrelates to prospects of employment, entrepreneurship and practical skills, and improve access to secondaryeducation, especially among the underserved groups.• Technical and vocational education and training. To provide vocation and technical skills to help theunder-privileged groups improve their employment and income.• Tertiary education. Improve governance and administration in higher education as well as public-privatepartnership (PPP) to overcome resource constraints, enhance resources for quality improvement andcontribute to equity in the education system.• Non-formal education. Build a nationwide network of community-based, community managed and multipurposenon-formal and adult learning centres to provide a ‘second chance’ primary education for youngpeople who are deprived/school drop-outs.Key initiatives undertaken to improve participation and education for girls include:• On-going stipend programmes for girl students at primary, secondary and higher secondary levels. Thishas resulted in gender parity in enrolment in primary and secondary levels and the girls are doing equallyas well as the boys in various public examinations;• Introduce stipend programme for girl students at tertiary level;• Provide computer training for women;• Set up three Women Polytechnic Institutes to encourage girls’ enrolment in technical education; and• Establish an International University for Women.5