KARACHI:
Balochistan’s Usta Muhammad district has a population of nearly 15,000 people, but it lacks several basic facilities including educational facilities. In 2004, a local NGO partnered with the National Commission for Human Development to establish a primary school in the district. But it ceased operations in July 2021 leaving hundreds of children without primary education.
There are two government primary schools in our vicinity, one in Sindh and the other in Balochistan. However, both schools are marred by significant challenges. Both schools lack proper buildings and suffer from teacher absenteeism resulting in a suspension of all academic activities. Due to this, a sizeable number of children are out of school and forced to either stay at home or work. This is hampering their overall growth and reducing their chances of improving their future prospects. The concerned authorities must pay attention to the issue and act urgently to improve educational facilities in Usta Muhammad as well as neighbouring regions.
Access to quality education is a fundamental right of every child, and our village’s children should not be deprived of this opportunity due to the negligence of those at the helm. The authorities should not only revive schools but tighten rules and regulations to ensure that funds are used appropriately. Strict action must be taken against all the staff and teachers who are collecting salaries but failing to fulfil their responsibilities. A strong education system will uplift the impoverished and marginalised segments of society and empower the young generation to secure a brighter future.
Bilal Ahmed
Usta Muhammad
Published in The Express Tribune, June 28th, 2023.
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