KARACHI:
In Pakistan, the Covid crisis has exposed the poor and fragile standards of private schools across the country. Persistent prolongation in the closure of educational institutions nationwide has left the parents with no other option but to either teach their children themselves or to leave children on their own. I spoke to several parents enquiring about how they have dealt with online schooling during lockdown restrictions, and I came to know that it was a shock for parents to come to know of the poor education standard. Most parents are utterly disappointed with the school’s curriculum and teaching methodology because children lack knowledge of even the most basic concepts.
Rather than developing/generating the students’ learning abilities and intellectual skills, academic institutions have ingrained simplified concepts and rote learning to prepare children for board exams and higher education. It is a matter of grave concern because if children are taught like this, they will not develop analytical skills, and instead be trained to work like machines. Parents must realise that changing schools will not solve the problem. They need to focus on their child’s development by analysing what they are being taught at school.
The problem of poor education needs to be tackled through concrete, pragmatic, and collective steps taken both by the parents and the government. While parents need to lend an ear to the education of their children, the relevant authorities need to address the various issues related to schools and education. Only then can we have a smooth way for a better and brighter future for our children.
Usama Mughal
Kandhkot
Published in The Express Tribune, November 25th, 2021.
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