Children’s Rights to Education in the Digital Era: Barriers of the Digital Divide for Children of Low-Income Families in Nepal

Abstract

Human rights in Nepal recognises education as a fundamental right for all individuals. The pathways to achieve undisrupted access to education particularly for children from low-income families are still bounded by poverty and emerging barriers, such as digital divide. Thus, the objective of this research was to identify and critically examine the relationship between the barriers of digital divide and children’s right to education, especially in the context of COVID-19 pandemic which has placed further challenges on the education system. This qualitative research employed a narrative inquiry approach by using key informant interviews (KII) as its research method. The total sample size of this research was 19 key participants including parents of children from low-income families, public school teachers, non-governmental organisations and subject matter experts from Kathmandu, Nepal. The data were analysed by using narrative analysis. The research findings showed that digital divide significantly impacted children’s access to education, including the divide in ownership, access to digital devices and infrastructures. Possessing relevant knowledge, skills, adequate exposure and experience to efficiently use the digital technologies for learning purposes were equally crucial in determining the impacts of digital divide. Moreover, the compounded impacts of digital divide in education and COVID-19 further perpetuated systemic inequalities and reinforced forms of privilege and exclusion within the Nepalese education system. The existing regulatory frameworks of Nepal also proved to be doing very little to address the problems associated with educational inequity and consequent disparities. This research concluded that children from low-income families were continuously challenged by existing and emerging barriers, thus hindering their access to education.

Implication of the thesis:

This research highlights the gaps in knowledge, understanding and awareness on the prevalence and impacts of digital divide on children’s access to education in Nepal. This research helps raising awareness on the necessary actions needed by relevant duty bearers and stakeholders to ensure children from all backgrounds realise their education rights in an equitable manner in Nepal. Keywords: children’s right to education, access to education, digital divide, barriers of the digital divide, educational inequalities