Preventing dropouts: DEO orders promotion of schoolgirls who failed finals

Parents, students filed requests with education dept, asking the same

UPPER DIR: District Education Officer Aqeela Naz has directed all government primary and middle schools to promote girls who had failed their final examinations in 2015.

A notification was issued on Saturday to this effect. It stated the decision was taken following repeated requests from students and parents. The notification quoted Naz citing dropout prevention as the reason behind the directive.

She said the step will give a new lease of life to despondent students to work harder and continue their education. She added the decision should not be considered as a weakness of the department, stated the notification, quoting Naz. It added no concessions will be made in the following academic year.

Locals say a large number of girls enrolled in primary and middle schools of Upper Dir failed their finals.

In a society where female education is largely discouraged, the only motivation for schoolgirls is doing well in their academics. Increasing dropout rates have alarmed the district education department which has been compelled to undersign such decisions.

A significant number of parents had filed complaints with the department, asking officials to reconsider the decision.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 13^th, 2015.