Educational Challenges and Schooling Experiences among Tribal Adolescents in the Tea Garden Communities of North Bengal

Abstract

This paper studies the educational challenges faced by school-going Tribal Adolescents in the tea gardens of the Dooars region of North Bengal. The study was conducted in those blocks of Jalpaiguri district having a significant concentration of tea gardens. The study used a descriptive survey research design and a quantitative approach. The survey used a structured questionnaire with four dimensions and 25 items, with a sample of 120 students. The results indicate that general challenges are the most significant, followed by issues related to the home environment, school infrastructure and learning experiences at School. The findings highlight critical areas for intervention and policy focus to improve the academic experience and educational outcomes of these adolescents.