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Salient. Victoria University Student Newspaper. Vol 35 no. 14. 28 June 1972

Educational Rehabilitation Schemes

Educational Rehabilitation Schemes

Of the many schemes which need implementing probably the most important is financial support to university students. It is estimated that at present only about 10% can take care of their expenses. The rest will require full or partial support. It is estimated that each student will require at least $NZ20 per month to cover his basic needs, and at least a further $50 for clothes, stationery and minimum personal requirements. For students at colleges and schools it is estimated that an ad hoc grant of $30 for each college student and $15 for each school pupil for personal requirements. At present the Government of Bangladesh is supporting college students and school pupils at $4 and $2 per month respectively. The magnitude of the problem can be judged from the fact that there were before the war 30,000 primary schools with 6 million pupils, 6,000 secondary schools with 1.35 million pupils, 300 colleges with 235,000 students and 6 universities with 20,000 students. So far W.U.S. has provided $10,000 (contributed by Australia's W.U.S.) to assist students. In anticipation of receiving money from other sources the Universities have approved money to provide immediate ad hoc grants for some students. Money will be channelled into student health services.

The second item is the re-equipment of schools and colleges with apparatus, teaching aids and library books. Many sets of multiple copies of books (up to 300) are required. The main problem in acquiring such objects is shortage of foreign exchange. It is possible that many books will be given directly. Already the U.K. committee of W.U.S. have sent $5,000 worth of physics laboratory equipment. UNESCO have also indicated that they would be pleased to assist is text book purchase.

It is also worth noting that the Bangladesh University students themselves have been keen to assist in the re-establishing of the colleges and primary schools.

The target of the present W.U.S. Appeal is to raise $200,000 for Bangladesh on a world wide basis. This money will be directed in the following manner:-
1.Provision of ad hoc grants to students at schools, colleges and Universities.
2.Provision of a number of ad hoc grants to staff members.
3.Provision of text books, in multi copies to schools, colleges and Universities.
4.Supply of educational and scientific equipment.
5.Provision of medicaments and medical equipment for university health services.

We believe that these objectives are realistic, and the assistance is absolutely vital. We are assured of full co-operation of university authorities, Government administration and student leaders. It is now over to us to support this new country in its early days as it struggles for survival.

Photo of burnt unviversity belongings

Agriculture University, Mymensingh. The material collected from the rooms in the Halls of Residence was heaped together and set on fire by the Pakistan Army. One such heap is shown.

Photo of a hole in the roof

Agriculture University. Mymensingh. Destruction of the Hall of Residence by Indian bombing.