FATA fight for education

Fata’s fight for education continues with great resistance as attrition rates remain high and confidence in the value of education low. According to a new statistical report by the area’s Education Management Information System, 79% of girls drop out at the primary level — a ghastly figure especially with regard to the level at which they drop. Separately, boys’ dropout rate stands at 69% with an overall rate of 73% boys and girls leaving primary schooling. Women’s basic education needs remain unmet which impacts a plethora of other areas of society. As such, the government needs to work arduously to enforce enrolment in Fata schools, considering all factors that motivate a decision by parents to disenroll their daughters — and sons.

Education needs to be prioritised by provincial governments and at the grassroots level. Parental mindsets need to be restructured to recognise the value of education. Children, although seen as a means to secure a better financially sound household, can eventually contribute more to a household with a basic foundation in education. Past records, however, have given parents little faith. Government education carries little value in the job market and associated costs and lethargic teacher attitudes further dissuade parents. Although this particular report does not detail many reasons as to why so many children leave school, it has been reported in the past that transportation has been a factor in low enrolment. The Fata directorate of education needs to work to alleviate all associated factors that hinder a family from sending their children to school.

Finally, confidence-building needs to be a major goal as well as providing adequate facilities. A school should be a second home for a child; safety and comfort are basic needs in order for him or her to flourish in an environment. The task is gargantuan, but the years are wasting with children at a constant disadvantage.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 18^th, 2018.

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