Extra-curricular activities are definitely crucial for every student for their development. Extra-curricular activities — sports, artistic and creative pursuit, involvement with student council and debating clubs and other activities outside of the regular educational curriculum — have enormous benefits to students of all educational institutes across the world. They help develop skills to lead, communicate and carry out teamwork, abilities to solve real-life problems and capacities to manage time. Extra-curricular activities also lead to increased engagement and motivation in academic activities, help students to identify their interests outside of the academic realm, develop new talents and bring many other benefits. But many students across educational institutes do not get the required opportunities for their extra-curricular activities in many countries.
Many students miss out on opportunities for extra-curricular activities in many educational institutes. Among educational institutes, universities provide more extra-curricular facilities including sports teams, clubs and societies that serve the diverse interests of students. Colleges provide fewer opportunities for extra-curricular activities. But schools provide more structured opportunities for extra-curricular activities with annual sports events, music programs and several other opportunities. The opportunities for extra-curricular activities also differ among educational institutes providing similar levels of education (such as university education, college education and school education). Between public and private educational institutes, the latter type of institutes provides fewer opportunities for extra-curricular activities for students in many countries. Also, compared to mainstream educational institutes, religious institutes provide fewer opportunities for extra-curricular activities in many countries.
There are institutional and other factors that restrict extra-curricular activities. The affordability of educational institutes is one of the crucial causes of fewer opportunities. Many educational institutes cannot afford to offer additional programs outside of their core curriculum — driven by budget constraints — in many countries. Inadequate facilities (including playgrounds) and/or equipment to support extra-curricular activities, a lack of interest among educational institutes, inadequate focus on students’ development, a lack of interest among students and strict rules in educational institutions are some notable factors. Inadequate facilities are present more in educational institutes in congested areas and underprivileged communities in many countries. Among other factors, social and cultural pressures may prevent many students from participating in extra-curricular activities, even if there are opportunities.
But inadequate participation in extra-curricular activities leads to enormous educational, professional and other negative consequences for students. Firstly, many students may miss out on opportunities to develop important skills needed for them in academic and professional settings and find it difficult to build a strong social network, which in turn can bring a negative impact on their mental health and well-being, because of their non-participation in extra-curricular activities. Secondly, non-participation may negatively affect the academic performance of many students. According to multiple sources, students who participate in extracurricular activities tend to have better grades and attendance records than those who do not. Thirdly, non-participation can reduce the chance of the personal growth, development and exploration of many students.
It is definitely optimistic that educational institutes and communities have recognized the benefits of extra-curricular activities. Consequently, many educational institutes and communities are investing more in extra-curricular activities in recent years. Many educational institutes are also partnering with local organizations and businesses to provide more opportunities for extra-curricular activities. But they are not enough in many educational settings across the world. It is consequently desired that extra-curricular activities are promoted and encouraged for students of all educational institutions including schools, colleges and universities across the world. Strict rules and limited opportunities for extra-curricular activities need to be addressed by educational institutes in many countries. But budgetary and other causes need to be addressed for providing more facilities.
Increased investment in extracurricular programs and the encouragement for the participation of students is definitely crucial for many educational institutes across the world. It is also imperative that the concerned government authorities, along with educational institutes and local communities, strengthen their efforts to provide the required opportunities for extra-curricular activities. The requirements of providing opportunities for extra-curricular activities also need to be set by regulatory authorities for private educational institutes in many countries. Also, social and cultural pressures need to be addressed for encouraging participation in extra-curricular activities. But the emphasis needs to be given to those extra-curricular activities that demonstrate talent, contribute acceptable social values and foster the development of students.
