The importance of a literate Pakistan is being felt more than ever before. With numerous ills plaguing the society, the dream of an educated country seems like a potent solution to the present-day problems.
Given its relevance, the International Literacy Day this year came with a lot of purpose, and was duly observed across the federal capital. Various organisations on Thursday organised different events, including walks to highlight the importance of the day, to put across the message this day offers and to “awaken the sleeping conscience” of many.
This year’s message — Literacy for Peace — is perhaps more pertinent to this part of the globe then any other.
A large number of people from different walks of life took part in an awareness walk held from National Press Club to Islamabad Model College for Girls G-6/2. Students from various educational institutions of the capital participated in the event. To make their message loud and clear, the participants were holding placards and banners inscribed with the slogans, demanding substantial increase in budget allocation for education. “Education should be free and compulsory for all,” said a student.
Another awareness walk was organised by the National Commission for Human Development (NCHD) in collaboration with UNESCO from China Chowk to D-Chowk highlighting the plight of illiterate people. Hundreds of school children and civil society workers participated in the walk. The participants in their messages emphasized that education is a must to create peace in Pakistan.
The walk was led by NCHD Chairperson and member of the National Assembly Nafisa Shah. Speaking at the occasion, she said that the inequalities in the society are directly linked to discrimination, poverty and illiteracy.
“Currently there are some 759 million illiterate youths in the world and a major portion of them are from our part of the globe, the South Asia and nearby countries,” she said.
In Pakistan, the situation of primary education is very alarming, as almost half of the 19 million children are out of schools. According to an estimate, enrolment rate in schools is 70 per cent but almost 50 per cent of them drop out of school before reaching the fifth standard. Only one-third of the 50 per cent clear primary education.
She also said that half of the population cannot even write their names, which is embarrassing for us as a nation. Pakistan alone has 50 million illiterates and the major victims of illiteracy are women.
“Changing that image will require far reaching reforms,” she suggested.
At present, about half of the population above the age of 10 is illiterate. Two-third of the rural women cannot read and write. In certain under-developed districts and disadvantaged segments of the society, literacy rate is alarmingly low. With respect to literacy, Pakistan is lagging behind other countries of the region as well.
NCHD Director-General Zulfiqar Ahmad said, “The status of literacy is directly linked to poverty. World map of poverty largely coincides with the map of illiteracy.”
Published in The Express Tribune, September 9th, 2011.
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