The aftermath of flooding and heavy rains in Thari Mirwah, Sindh has left government schools in a state of disrepair. The only higher secondary school in the area, Government Higher Secondary School Mehar Veesar, where over 2500 students are enrolled, was submerged for seven long months. Despite a year passing since the disaster, the school remains in deplorable condition. Many other schools in Thari Mirwah also suffered damage and are yet to be restored.
The appalling state of the schools has led to a decline in student attendance. Fear of the compromised building’s collapse has deterred most students from attending classes, jeopardising their academic progress and upcoming board exams. Headmaster Rafeeq Ahmed Veesar made repeated requests to the concerned authorities but his plea fell on deaf ears. Teachers and students themselves had to put in considerable effort to clear the floodwater, revealing the extent of the damage, including submerged desks and chairs. Currently, the school lacks a boundary wall, clean drinking water, adequate furniture, proper flooring and roofing, and functional restrooms. The school was temporarily relocated to the headmaster’s guest house for seven months, and while many students have returned, the environment there remains chaotic.
Due to financial constraints, homeless families are left with no choice but to send their children to these dilapidated government schools. It is crucial for civil society members and activists to advocate for these students’ rights, as the education sector in the region already lags behind. Immediate action is imperative from relevant authorities who must swiftly provide the necessary facilities to ensure uninterrupted learning for these students.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 28th, 2023.
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