Schools reopen afterextended summer vacation

Parents, students warn of protests if textbooks are not available in the markets by Aug 30

KARACHI:

The educational institutions of the city reopened on Thursday after a two and half months' summer break. While some students displayed enthusiasm for their return to school, others appeared sleepy or eager to reconnect with friends. Despite the delay in the academic year, the unavailability of books remains a significant concern for many students.

Children from a private school located near Safoora Roundabout shared their vacation experiences with The Express Tribune, which included visiting relatives, completing homework, and missing their school friends.

While taking about the significance of education, the principal of the school emphasised that attending school has a substantial impact on a child's personal growth, creativity, and communication skills. Meanwhile, the reopening of schools led to an increase in morning traffic.

Owing to a prolonged heatwave, the Sindh government had extended the summer vacation, which caused a delay in the start of the academic year. This year, the academic year began on August 15, whereas it usually starts in April.

Urdu Bazaar Trade Asso-ciation Sindh Chairman Sajid Yousuf attributed the delay to the non-publication of textbooks, affecting over 15 million students in both private and government institutions. He noted that 30 per cent of textbooks are still missing from the market and criticised publishers for prioritizing their interests over students' futures.

Parents and students have expressed frustration and threatened protests if textbooks are not available by August 30.

Similarly, vendors have blamed publishers for the delay.

A spokesperson for the Sindh Education Department issued a contradictory statement, claiming that textbooks are available and that publishers are required to deliver them on time. This statement conflicts with concerns raised by parents and vendors about delivery delays.

Sindh Textbook Board Secretary Hafeez Mehr provided an update on the textbook delivery process. He reported that 80 per cent of free textbooks have already been distributed across Sindh, with the remaining books scheduled for delivery in a second phase from August 15 to August 30.