Assessing the Impact of Urban Slum Socio-Economic Realities on Child Education: Evidence from Kalyanpur Slum, Dhaka

This study investigates the impact of socioeconomic conditions on the educational outcomes of children in the Kalyanpur slum of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, including focus group discussions with 20 residents, the research examines key socioeconomic indicators such as parental income, occupation, and living conditions. The findings reveal a significant negative correlation between the precarious socioeconomic status of families and their children's education. Key findings indicate that household incomes are predominantly below the national poverty line, with 52% of adult respondents being illiterate. These factors contribute to high school dropout rates and the prevalence of child labor. Barriers to education include not only poverty and poor living conditions but also a lack of access to quality schools and sociocultural obstacles. This paper makes several policy recommendations, including targeted financial assistance for low-income families, initiatives to combat child labor, investments in local school infrastructure and resources, and the development of psychosocial support programs for children. Implementing these measures is crucial to ensure equitable educational opportunities for children in the Kalyanpur slum and help them achieve their full potential.