The number of students dropping out of primary and secondary education is on the rise, in turn highlighting the lack of alternative schools and facilities for troubled youths.

According to the Seoul Development Institute and the Seoul Metropolitan Government on Tuesday, 6,885 students dropped out of elementary, middle, and high school in 2010.

The research found only some 660 students are in alternative schools, shelters, and facilities, highlighting that the remaining 90 percent are left without support or provided the basic right to education.

The 0.95 percent dropout rate in 2010 is an increase from the previous years, up from the 0.81 percent average in 2008 and 2009.

Different districts in Seoul also saw drastically different dropout rates.

In Dongjak 1.43 percent of youths dropped out of school while in Gangnam, a district known for educationally zealous parents, saw a rate of 0.48 percent.

Other districts including Yongsan and Seocho also saw similarly lower rates, according to the study.

The study highlights the need for more facilities to handle the growing number of school dropouts.

There are only 17 alternative schools, specially made for troubled youths, with some 560 students, and about 240 students in other facilities for youths. Most of the alternative schools are found in the outer districts of the capital, such as Songpa, Gwanak, Gangbuk and Eunpyeong, making access difficult for some youths.

“Many dropout youths spend their time where they hold a part-time job, because of the last of alternative schools for troubled youths,” said Jeon Hyo-gwan, head of The Youth Factory for Alternative Culture.

“The lack of alternative facilities is a problem but the bigger issue is the absence of professional help that is available for the different characteristics of students,” she said, whose center provides a refuge for youths to channel their energy.


By Robert Lee
(robert@heraldcorp.com)