It is imperative that we develop an alternative government plan, with a clear policy consensus developed for each key area, in order to have some direction before the next elections. To date, no policy discussion by the current political leadership has taken place on such matters. Frankly, most Pakistanis who understand the objectives of the current political leadership also accept that those who are part of it simply do not have what it takes to carry out any meaningful reform. It is for this reason that those eager to be part of the reform team for Pakistan must join hands now, so that by the time elections come around, solutions can be provided to the electorate. The agenda for political alliances must be based on clearly defined policies so that no compromises on principles are made at any later stage.
The foremost task is to set some goalposts for each of these key policy areas. Since education is the most critical fuel for a knowledge-based economy, we need to develop a ‘new deal’ on it. This is the need of the hour because long-term growth will not be possible, no poverty reduction strategy will succeed and no development will occur unless literacy levels are high.
The following list of recommendations might seem basic to some cynics, but these measures have not been taken by any government:
1) With the consensus of the provinces, unify the system of schooling, syllabus, curriculum and examination. This should also apply to degree-awarding institutions for various levels of higher education. 2) Establish a basic minimum standard for a school’s premises/infrastructure and teaching staff. Penalise those who have acquired posts in education administration through nepotism and connections. 3) Undertake mapping of all existing schools in every district of the country so that a ‘gap analysis’ can be carried out on deficiencies. This should include the identification of all ghost schools and absentee teachers. This can rectify shortcomings, which should be done on a war footing by according it the highest policy/implementation priority. 4) Accomplish the linking of education with the general public, through employment generation. Some kind of mechanism should be set up so that the demand for various kinds of degrees in the job market vis-à-vis demands from employers is coordinated with what our universities and colleges are teaching. 5) Secondary education should be made mandatory before social security benefits from the state can be received. 6) A link should be established between research in agriculture and improvements in the agriculture sector. 7) Vocational training should be encouraged so that labour productivity is enhanced. 8) Women, minorities and ethnic groups should be given equal opportunities to education.
9) Centres of excellence should be set up and promoted, with links to international institutions. 10) Funding for education should also be found from international sources and this should be linked to the academic performance of the respective institution.
This list is not based on any drawing-room analysis. It is based on travelling in the field, talking to teachers and lecturers and other educational staff, the National Commission for Human Development employees and so on. The condition of our schools is terrible and this decay in our education sector is having a negative impact on society. The above is doable but it requires immediate focus — and the will to do it.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 15th, 2011.
COMMENTS (18)
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Please explain why the General did not realign the syllabi of the more than 35,000 or so registered and unregistered Madaris so as to bring them within the ambit of "mainstream" education so that they could have had a shot at critical thinking based education rather than rote learning?
With the fullness of power, the General and his coterie of experts had a golden opportunity to upend the educational capacity of elementary and secondary educational programs nationwide but sadly that opportunity was also relegated to the waste bin of history. The literacy rate during his 11 year rule did not budge, millions of dollars were squanderd on ill conceived initiatives and most importantly no accredited teacher education program was implemented. For details see Education Sector Reform Agenda (ESRA) report on education in Pakistan. Which brings to fore the quintessential question: if you start all the "beautiful" programs to educate and provide competency based training to the millions who desperately want literacy and skills, who will do the teaching?
I am very surprised that the village and towns people with whom the good Author allegedly walked the streets of rural and urban Pakistan did not mention to her that we do not have teachers in this country and trained teachers remain a mirage.
I read all above recommendations as FUNNY QUOTES.
Bibi,
Let us start with ground reality that we have to have base line affordable quality education in middle and high schools for all citizens of Pakistan. Don’t talk about competing US or other countries in research and technology. If you produce good high school graduates, you will automatically able to produce good researcher and scientist. You are in the government, do something concrete. Work on Secondary school system for poorer. Richer have already taken care of own system of English medium schools, offering A level and O levels. Of course, this is “Drawing Room Analysis” -
Social security benefits from the state?Which State are you talking about?EU or USA?You have not presented anything new,go to Education Ministry,dig out a file of 70's,all these suggested steps would be there.The problem is finances?Do not misguide these already ignorant people who think that you have come out with some new invention.
Awesome peice of paper to read...I read one article written by sharmila farroqi and one by you...trust me it tell the difference of an educated and sensible person and... just leave it....madam please be honest to country as long as you work and for that you have to face lot...
but how can this be made a reality?
You should have been in the highest assembly and said this all on the assembly floor. You should have gone to small colleges in Sahiwal, Swat, Sehwan and Sibbi and told the teachers there as the MNA, that they have a voice in the assembly now...
You are a good politician Marvi! Be a better one.
I guess you can still do that but you could have already done that and much more.
@Shahid Khan Ok you are not dumb. Please enlighten us with your contribution to forming public opinion and your efforts towards improvement of public education at any level. You're more than welcome to try your luck in the area politics if you have any will other than posting these derogatory remarks and empty criticism.
Please join Imran Khan's party!
We need people like him and you to be in power!
i think,every body now these all suggestions nd points to improve education in the country.But problem is that who will implement,Mrs Marvi now u r not the part of assembly who contributes in law making for education or implementation.so how nd who will do that?
Your efforts on various issues are good but you need a strong forum where your point of view would be respected.
You are dumbest of Musharaf's lot, perhaps your father's services for agencies keep you in media.
the only solution to the present state of affairs is to spread education and have a uniform system. at present there r elite schools such as city beacon grammer draining thousands of foreign exchange, privateschools, divisional schools, govt schools and now danish schools. the need of the hour is to have one system. to improve the standard of education in the govt. schools is to make it mandatory for govt. servants to put their children in these schools. their standard would automatically improve. well done marvi. u r the new hope of the country.
Typical politician --- lots of grandeur and not much substance - you need to be both a strategic thinker and have tactical skills to get things done which is one of the reasons politicians never get anything accomplished.
I sincerely hope some Govt official pay heed to this article. But the nepotism and connections, it is too difficult to get rid of them. You start and end your day on these connections.
P.S I dont know where the hell is Education Emergency program. I saw many people pleading to join the fan page at Facebook but practically, NIL!. Who started this project and where it is? Kia bat sirf petition tak reh gae hai. Just like Qarz utaro mulk sanwaro
You should join Musharraf who is a sincere man to lead change.
MS Marvi you are one of the few beacons of hope that pakistan and its people have. Wish you all the best.
Talk of the time...very well articulated