Open-air schools

Thousands of government school students attend classes under the open sky both in cold and hot weather in various districts of Punjab. This situation is, however, not deterring teachers from performing their duties honestly. The reason for teaching being done in open spaces within schools is obviously due to shortage of classrooms. One cannot help saying that the best time for pupils and teachers are winter and summer vacations as well as holidays. Ironically, students and teachers get things when they are not needed.

An official of the provincial planning department says that at 50,000-odd schools in the province, there was a shortage of around 9,000 classrooms, while another from the education department maintains that only 100 schools across the province do not have an adequate number of classrooms. The latter claims that the provincial government has built 7,000 new classrooms in the recent past and many are under construction. Moreover, other necessary facilities too are being provided at schools. Undeniably, there are a considerable number of schools where pupils and teachers have to brave harsh weather in the process of learning. However, parents are reluctant to send their children to open-air schools in fog and bitter cold. This is proving a big hurdle in the way of acquiring education. Schools lacking enclosed spaces and other basic necessities are not serving the cause of education, as this prevents pupils from properly focusing on their studies and also stops teachers from giving their best.

The lack of building, drinking water and proper lab facilities have long existed in Punjab and things are no better in other provinces. Conditions at government schools have led many parents to pluck their children from such schools and get them admitted into private ones. But not all can afford private-school education. Those who stay at government schools are disadvantaged as odds are stacked against them. There are several issues affecting our education system and corrective steps are needed. So far the authorities have not taken much remedial measures.