Seeking an overhaul : Matta residents demand construction of schools

Say literacy rate in 20 villages is abysmal as there are insufficient schools, colleges.


Shehzad Khan July 30, 2016
Residents raise their voices against the lack of educational facilities in the region. PHOTO: EXPRESS

MINGORA: Residents of more than 20 villages have urged the relevant authorities to construct schools for their children in Matta tehsil, Swat.

“We proudly declare ourselves a nuclear power but do not have enough schools to educate our children,” a local told The Express Tribune. 

The residents added the absence of schools will reduce prospects for children to get an education.

“How will our children and this country progress in such a situation?” one of them said.

Schools have not been built for children in over 20 villages of Matta tehsil since 1947. These include are Jurra, Sanil Khan, Gul Dherai, Tafrun, Amlook Cheena, Jangar, Bela, Norrey, Ashar Banr, Spagai, Teeta, Serai, Nilawai villages.

While speaking to The Express Tribune, Saleem Khan, another resident, said he sends his grandchildren’s school is situated at Nazar Abad.

“It is tiring for children to walk three kilometres from our house,” he said. “Our children travel on foot every day and this has affected their health. I am illiterate but I understand the importance of education for our children.”

Cycle of neglect

The residents said there are between 8,000 and 9,000 children who should be going to schools in the region but there are no schools in the area. “There are more than 9,000 children of school-going age in these 20 villages,” said Irshad Ali, another resident of Jurra village.

Matiur Rehman, a student, said he wants to learn new things and get an education like other children of his age.

“However, I cannot get education,” he added.

The villagers said the literacy rate in the area is abysmal and the only way to seek education is to go to other areas of Swat district. “We are poor and a majority of us work on land owned by landlords,” said Ihsanullah, a local. “This is why we cannot afford to send our children to other areas for education.”

Tight spot

District councillor Habibullah Khan said the government had approved the construction of a primary school in Jurra village and the land was donated by a landlord.

“However, work could not be initiated because the construction of a primary school requires two kanals of land. The landlord will not donate any more land.”

Published in The Express Tribune, July 30th, 2016.

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