KARACHI:
Despite the existence of several public and private schools across the country, the literacy rate in Pakistan has remained low. Most public schools lack basic infrastructure i.e. classrooms, sanitation, drinking water, etc and face a shortage of staff. Teaching faculty are hired arbitrarily and are not equipped to teach at different levels, which is why most students are unable to study past secondary school. In rural areas, schools have a high absence rate for both staff and students. Resultantly, students are compelled to learn on their own and undertake examinations without any proper guidance.
In contrast, private schools operate as a business by charging hefty amounts of fees, even for poor-quality education. Only a handful of private schools have maintained an educational standard and produced good results. Most of them have failed to inculcate critical/analytical skills amongst students. Consequently, students underperform during examinations and fail to obtain higher education. If managed effectively, private schools can help improve the literacy rate by providing a better academic environment.
Each year, a meagre amount from the budget is allocated to the education sector, which is why most public schools have become ghost schools. Even private schools are not regulated by the authorities. Given that education plays a crucial role in the progress and development of any country, the government must undertake the initiative to reform the entire education sector to attract more students and improve literacy rates. Without a successful education system, we must not expect any change in the country.
Muhammad Siddique
Khuzdar
Published in The Express Tribune, March 15th, 2022.
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