The Complexity of Educational Inequality among Out-of-School Children and Youths: Lessons Learned from the Field

Abstract

The objective of this research is to construct the body of knowledge regarding the complexity of educational inequality among out-of-school children from four areas comprising (1) out-of-school children network in Khon Kaen (Thai Sikkha Association); (2) Nakhon Sawan City Municipality and Mahidol University, Nakhon Sawan Campus; (3) the network of non-formal and informal education teachers, Chachoengsao Provincial Office of Non-Formal and Informal Education; and (4) Young Awakening Camp, Asham Wongsanit, Sathiankoset-Nakapratheep Foundation, Nakhon Nayok Province. The hypothesis held for this research is that the problems of educational inequality are complex, hence, we need to consider collecting non-bias perspectives through Developmental Evaluation (DE) integrated with the Contemplative Education approach.  Key findings of this research include the complexity, patterns, and dynamics of out-of-school children's lives that demonstrate the tip of the iceberg and the attributing factors, which are the family, community, mainstream education and reductionist nature of social system.