On the eve of Literacy Day, newly released statistics from Iran’s Statistical Center have raised serious concerns about the country’s educational system.
According to Kolbarnews, over 992,000 students across various educational levels have dropped out of school.
Key factors contributing to this troubling social phenomenon include: poverty, which prevents families from affording educational expenses. Cultural issues, such as families preventing girls from continuing their education. Premature entry into the labor market, forcing children to work instead of attending school.
Dropout Rates by Educational Level
Elementary School: 2%
Lower Secondary School: 5.23%
Upper Secondary School: 16.12%
Although specific data on the gender of dropouts is not provided, the Statistical Center of Iran reports significant literacy rate differences between men and women:
Men: 93% literacy
Women: 87% literacy
This gap highlights persistent gender inequalities in access to education.
An analysis of data from the past three years shows a continuous increase in the number of children aged 6 to 17 who are out of school, signaling a worsening trend in the educational crisis.
