KARACHI:
To address the high levels of illiteracy in Sindh, the provincial government recently hired hundreds of primary and junior elementary school teachers to improve educational outcomes. But, is simply hiring teachers enough to resolve the problem? Across Sindh, schools are in dilapidated conditions. The poor building structures are a safety hazard and classrooms lack basic items like desks and chairs. Fans and other items are regularly stolen from school premises.
School administrations either do not exist or the ones that do have failed to fulfil their responsibilities. Teachers are not trained or provided with the resources to conduct lessons. They are forced to use outdated books. Students do not have coursebooks, uniforms, and other materials. Teacher absenteeism is another major issue. In the past, many students reported that teachers only conduct classes when there are scheduled visits by district or provincial authorities.
Evidently, hiring teachers will not improve literacy rates in Sindh. The government must initiate a campaign to bring children back to school and facilitate them through financial assistance. In addition, municipal and district authorities must be directed to monitor school administrations and teachers to reduce absenteeism. Teachers should be hired based on merit and the curriculum should be updated.
Sumaira Hadi
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, February 8th, 2023.
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