Learning levels plummet in the face of higher enrolment in FATA

The survey saw a marked deterioration in both literacy and numeracy levels in school-going children.

KARACHI:

In 2013, 21% of children surveyed in the tribal areas were reported to be out of school – a small gain from last year. Yet, learning levels in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) deteriorated over the past 12 months, according to the Annual Status of Education Report (Aser) 2013.

Information was collected on 18,672 children aged between three and 16, and students were evaluated on their language and arithmetic competencies.

At least 5,271 households in 265 villages in nine districts of Fata were surveyed for the report. The results highlight alarming statistics on enrolment, learning and gender gaps in students as well as the education of teachers and parents.



Hitting rock bottom

At least 70% of fifth graders were not able to read a grade two story in Urdu/Pashto as compared to 54% who could not in 2012.

A marked deterioration was also seen in English and mathematics competencies over the past year.



Only 28% children in grade five could read grade two sentences as compared to 50% in 2012.  Around 37% children in grade five could solve division sums as compared to 42% in 2012, and 37% of seventh graders could not solve a two-digit division.

From the population surveyed, around 43% boys could read a complete sentence in Urdu/Pashto as compared to 23% girls. Of the boys, 53% could read English while only 29% girls could do the same. Similarly, 49% of the boys were able to do at least one subtraction sum compared to 26% of the girls.

The overall attendance at government schools was at 86% and in private schools at 90%. Attendance of teachers hovered at 12% in public schools, which was just one percent less than private schools.



A basic facility

Close to 80% of state-owned primary schools had no toilets – worse than last year’s 67%. A small improvement was, however, seen in private schools, 45% of which were sans toilets as compared with 60% in 2012.

Of those who teach

Only 24% of government and 36% of private school teachers had completed 14 years of education.

As far as parents were concerned, only 4% of the mothers and 38% of fathers surveyed had studied till the primary level.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 2^nd, 2014.