Listen to the good ones

Let us start with four simple facts. First, Pakistan has an education crisis, not just at the primary level, but at all levels. Second, anywhere in the world, education reform, improvement and sustainability of solutions depend significantly on the public sector and governance. Third, incentives, recognitions and rewards have a positive correlation with performance of individuals and institutions. And fourth, and perhaps the hardest one to digest, is that not elected officials are fundamentally corrupt, insensitive to the needs of the constituents or incapable.

Out of these four independent facts emerges a common denominator that is both remarkably simple and something that, remarkably, we have not engaged in. The common denominator is that we need to create incentives for our public officials to create sustainable change in education. One might ask, and rightfully so, what is the big deal about it and why is this any different from what we already know? Well, what is different is that we have never fully created opportunities, incentives, and recognitions for local bodies, from district councillors to mayors, to be recognised for their efforts in education. All politics is local, it is said, but so is all political change. If we want to create a sustainable change, in small towns and mohallas, we have to make it possible for those who represent those streets and communities.

The big talk on education often starts with federal and provincial governments, and it should. But unfortunately it also ends there, and that is where the problem is. Imagine a scenario where we recognise nationally, the efforts of those who are part of the union and district councils, for their efforts on education, provide them a national platform to share their success, celebrate their efforts, bring them on media and showcase to the nation their contributions? A medal, an opportunity to come on national television, an audience with the national leaders and an avenue to share their wisdom might bring us new ideas that actually work on the ground. At the same time it will also act as an incentive to others, who may be interested in education or may just be on the fence, to implement and bring a positive change.

The typical criticism from several quarters would be that we are not spending enough on education, and the local bodies have no real way of generating income. Both of these arguments are completely true. Our investments in education need to increase several fold and indeed, the local bodies would be dependent on money coming from the top. But that is not the point. The point is that despite all the odds, there are public officials who are making it possible for the citizens to get education. Whether it is by increasing access or providing security, recognising teachers or making sure that the school has electricity, there are those who are doing their best. Just as we recognise teachers who demonstrate a level of commitment above and beyond the requirements of their job, or students who excel despite a hostile environment, the public officials who go the extra mile despite demands on their resources and their time need to be recognised, celebrated and listened to.

The building of education stands on three pillars, student, teachers and an enabling environment. Not often enough, but we do recognise the students who excel despite the odds, and more recently at least in K-P and Punjab the dedicated teachers have also been recognised. Both of these groups need to be recognised even more and more often. But the third pillar, of those who create enabling environments also needs to be appreciated and recognised. Not only because they deserve it but also because it will create a positive feedback and positive reinforcement for others.

This positive reinforcement will hopefully make a dent in the trust deficit, that is desperately needed for a healthier education system. We often blame the system, but let’s not forget that in the end we are the system. We have to create mechanisms for rewarding good practices, regardless of where they come from.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 27^th, 2016.

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