Recession drives shift to public schools
Israr Ahmed, (R - 2nd row) was rescued from a stranded cable car, sits with other children in a classroom at a school in Battagram, August 23, 2023. PHOTO: REUTERS
The country is grappling with the worst recession in its history, leading to a remarkable 50 percent surge in enrollment at public sector schools.
Parents, burdened by economic hardships, are finding it increasingly difficult to afford private schools, prompting a shift towards government-run educational institutions.
Officials from the elementary education department have revealed that concerned parents are transferring their children from private schools to public ones as a cost-saving measure.
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The soaring fees of private schools have become a financial strain on families, who are also deeply concerned about the quality of education. The affordability and improved provisions at government schools make them an attractive alternative for parents.
These public institutions offer superior infrastructure, provide textbooks free of cost, and even offer stipends to girls.
Furthermore, teachers at public schools receive better compensation, contributing to the appeal of these institutions. As a result, the education department can proudly claim that its efforts are yielding positive results.
In reality, for many parents, public schools have become the only viable option. The economic challenges are widespread, and private education institutions are facing a challenging period.
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With the inability of parents to meet the monthly tuition fees, the dropout rate from private schools has increased significantly in recent months.
The current economic climate has left families struggling to afford even basic necessities, let alone the cost of private school education.
The nation is grappling with record-high inflation, and the soaring food prices, in particular, have created an unbearable burden for the middle-class, a group that has seemingly dwindled in recent times.
In the face of these economic hardships, public schools have emerged as beacons of hope for parents, offering accessible and quality education for their children.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 30th, 2023.