KARACHI:
One of the major problems facing Balochistan is the high levels of illiteracy in the province. Out of the 2.7 million children in Balochistan, 1.9 million children do not go to school. According to some estimates, 83% of girls are deprived of basic education and 72% of the boys do not go to school. High poverty, poor educational facilities, and a lack of investment are some of the main reasons for low educational standards.
Across the province, school buildings are in shoddy conditions with students of different grade levels having to share a few classrooms. Schools lack basic facilities like desks, chairs, and blackboards as well as bathrooms. Due to the negligence of the authorities and school administration, teachers are arbitrarily hired and assigned to different grade levels. They are not trained or informed about their duties instead they are compelled to teach with whatever books are easily accessible and available to them. Students are taught outdated curricula because of which they are unable to perform well during board exams and university admission tests. Resultantly, Baloch students lack the knowledge and skills to compete in the job market and find well-paying jobs to improve their prospects.
The floods have further aggravated the situation as nearly 573 schools have been damaged. Many children will stay out of school until the government rebuilds them or establishes temporary schools. The provincial government should seek assistance from the federal government to overhaul the education sector in the province. People must be informed about the importance of education and should be incentivised to send their children to schools. Primary and secondary schools should be provided with updated curriculums and higher education institutes should be established across the province.
Tayab Jummah
Turbat
Published in The Express Tribune, November 10th, 2022.
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