Private tutoring is booming across poorer parts of Asia

In recent years, private tutoring has surged in popularity across various regions in Asia, particularly in economically disadvantaged areas. This trend is highlighted in the Bollywood film '12th Fail,' which depicts the struggles of a poor farm boy, Manoj, who faces significant challenges in the Indian education system. The film illustrates the pervasive issue of cheating facilitated by teachers, showcasing a grim reality for students in public schools. Manoj's ultimate success comes not from the formal education system but from attending a crowded tutoring center in Delhi, emphasizing the growing reliance on private education. The increasing demand for private tutoring reflects a broader educational arms race, where families seek additional support to ensure their children excel academically. Governments in these regions are finding it difficult to keep pace with the rising expectations and competition, leading to a disparity in educational quality. As parents invest in private tutoring to secure better futures for their children, the public education system faces scrutiny and criticism for its inadequacies. This phenomenon raises questions about the effectiveness of public education and the long-term implications for students who rely on private tutoring. While it may provide immediate benefits, the reliance on such services could perpetuate inequalities in access to quality education. The situation calls for urgent reforms in the public education sector to address these challenges and ensure that all students have equal opportunities to succeed. Ultimately, the story of Manoj serves as a microcosm of a larger issue affecting many students across Asia, where the quest for educational success often leads to a reliance on private tutoring, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change in the educational landscape.