Developing Open Junior Schools to extend Education in Bangladesh

Abstract

Bangladesh has resource constraints for ensuring education for every citizen. In the last
decade, after the commencement of Bangladesh Open University (BOU), open and distance
learning (ODL) has become the most reliable means to combine accessibility and affordability
for the individual. It is also a cost effective means for the providers. BOU’s mandate is to
provide needs-based and cost-effective education it doesn’t at all levels whether formal or nonformal mode ranging from school level to tertiary level. ODL providers need support services
which help reduce the issues of isolation, lack in motivation or inability to self-motivate. This
Paper examines the concept of community ownership of ODL centers and how this can work in
partnership distance education settings where the citizenry believes that government has to
provide all things at the school level. This Paper also discusses the arrangements of tutorial
services in ODL centers in relation to sustainability.