Ways proposed to democratise education

Majeed says spending merely 2% of GDP and expecting to achieve 80% literacy rate is unrealistic.

ISLAMABAD:

While the universal right to education (RTE) is enshrined in the 18th Amendment of thr constitution, a significant number of children are denied the opportunity. To highlight ways to democratise education, Pakistan Coalition for Education launched two reports, “Alternative Budget Model’ and “Proposed Framework for the Implementation of RTE” on Thursday at a local hotel.

Educationalist and consultant Arif Majeed, the author of “Proposed Framework for the Implementation of Right To Education,” at the launch of Education For All (EFA) said, “Spending merely 2% of GDP and expecting to achieve Universal Primary Education and 80% literacy rate is unrealistic unless education spending is increased to at least 5% if not 7% as was promised in National Education Policy in 2007.”

Referring to free education, Majeed noted that it must include tuition fee, textbooks, stationary, uniforms, meals, recreation and sports and transportation. While the state must take the bulk of this responsibility, the private sector must also contribute, he said.

Brig. (retd) Tughral Yamin, an academic, said that simply enrolling students in schools isn’t the solution, especially within private schools as they may be unable to adapt due to intimidation.

Instead, he proposed that education be brought to underprivileged children in an environment they are comfortable with, and once confidence is established they be transferred to formal schools.

Brig. (retd) Yamin added that though the current number of estimated out-of-school of children from ages five to 15 is 25 million, if older children are counted, then a whopping 45 million children are out of school. He stressed that research and census must be carried out to ascertain the correct figures so urgency and action can ensue.

Limitations faced while preparing the reports included the non-availability of the latest data on population and educational statistics and public functionaries’ reluctant to discuss issues that involve policy repercussions. In addition, the education ministry which was the main source of information ceased to exist in April as a result of the 18th amendment.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 30^th, 2012.