Subpar schooling

After a gap of 28 years, a government school - Delhi Government Boys School, Karimabad - has secured the top position in the recent secondary board examinations in Karachi. The last time a government-run school topped the Matric exams was in 1996 when the same school had achieved this distinction. Since then, private schools have consistently dominated the top positions as academic performance in government schools has declined. For the education authorities, it is not a moment of celebration but rather reflection. Government schools, which cater to a significant portion of the population, have been struggling for years with inadequate resources, poor infrastructure, and a lack of trained educators. This situation has led to a worrying decline in the quality of education they provide, ultimately compromising the future of countless children. In many regions, classrooms are overcrowded, with an alarming student-to-teacher ratio that hampers individual attention. The physical conditions of many government schools also leave a lot to be desired.

Government-run education institutions also face a high drop-out rate, particularly among female students. The curriculum in government schools is often outdated, failing to equip students with the critical thinking and practical skills necessary for today's job market. This education gap creates a cycle of poverty, as graduates from these institutions struggle to find employment or pursue higher education. The emphasis on rote learning rather than conceptual understanding stifles creativity and innovation among students. While initiatives to reform and invest in government education systems have been proposed, progress remains slow and inconsistent. The lack of political will, coupled with insufficient funding, continues to hinder meaningful change. The government must allocate more resources to public education. Investing in teacher training, improving infrastructure, and modernising the curriculum are crucial steps toward ensuring that government schools can provide quality education. Only then can we hope to bridge the educational divide and build a more equitable society.