Arooj Baig
Undoubtedly, the progress of any country or nation depends and measured through its socio- economic growth and literacy level. All the key factors involving in progress ultimately lies on the education. The nations who excel and meet the sky are best in their education, resources, and opportunities.as we know that Education is a key element on which the civilizations, culture, societies built and known for.
On the interface of Pakistan; I would like to report about the educational quality of Pakistan that how much this aspect is overseen and on what point we are lagging behind from the core and developed states. many efforts has been made to uplift the standard of education and to provide the quality education. Despite a renewed focus on education in recent years by the provincial and federal governments, there still appear to be major gaps as far as quality of education is concerned,
As a new survey paints a gloomy picture of education standards in schools across the country. According to the latest Pakistan Education Statistics Report by AEPAM, Ministry of Education Pakistan, there are 22.84 million children out of school. Unesco´s latest published figures suggest Pakistan has the second highest number of out of school children globally after Nigeria.
Here first of all I will spotlight on a pertinent point that Right to Education Pakistan. The RTE campaign urges government officials to enforce education laws set forth in Article 25-A of the Pakistani Constitution 1973 , which states “The State shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of five to sixteen years in such manner as may be determined by law.”So, for this we are damn sure that there are education rights are reserved in 52 A article butworryingly this is less are randomly focused by the federal and provincial ministry of education.
Now, let come to the other pointthat gender disparity can be discussed as one of the major cause in literacy level. Most of the people from our marginalized areas who have stereotypical issues regarding educating their ladies and much reluctant to send them to schools even on primary levels. They are just after to maintain their status quo.So this is one of major cause for what we are not reaching to a satisfactory literacy level.In today’s changing world, we have to challenge these gender stereotypes and motivate, support, inspire and encourage girls to reach their potential and pursue their career goals.These children are our tomorrow, our future. We have to strive and advocate to change the status quo.
Secondly, if we discuss about the quality of education there are variegated certain points which are to be consider seriously. First is our curriculum/ syllabus. I am in view that syllabus must be same for both private and public sector institute. Here it is seen that private institutes are teaching advance and English oriented like oxford syllabus to their students but vice versa on the same grade, the syllabus which is taught in public sector is simply designed. There should be same syllabus for every student either of private or public to create unanimous and harmonious approach which latter on may not be come forward as class conflict. Syllabus must be like wise which should not produce a fragmented society.
Moreover, the way of instructions should be pragmatic and practical oriented. Students must have be knowing that what they are reading and learning that should not be blindly cramming. Tome,the cramming without conceptual clarity is a sin.
Moreover, the teachers, instructors should assign them tasks in which they utilized all energies of their brains, practical oriented workshops, career counseling workshops so that they could be able to choose right career for themselves, they must be given field task along with creative task.
Evaluation system should not merely taken by examinations. Students are just cramming the stuff just for the sake of attaining good marks instead of assimilating it to their brains. There should be seminars and workshops every month or bi-year in which the motivational speaker, career counselors and practitioner be called to tell students how to utilize their brain and develop the sense of self-grooming and self-confidence. And to develop the ability in them to choose right career according to their interest area. Students must be that capable to cope with all challenges and break the all impediments which hinder in way of their journey of success.
Furthermore, for a better quality education there have been a key and central role of a teacher. As teachers are called the builders of the nation and beacon of light for the nation. So as for as their role is concerned I would humbly say that they must update their knowledge and teaching methods and skills up to the time. They must be more smart and updated to teach this 4th generation. Teachers should play as a role model for their students and have such capacity to know the hidden abilities of the students and make them able to bring their abilities out in some healthy way and directions. Bow in them a thirst of curiosity among the students and develop in them a sense of quest to fulfill the goals and destinations.
In addition Equal access to high-quality education is imperative for the development of a country. Among the factors that affect the quality and accessibility of education are qualified teachers, adequate facilities, proper funding, comprehensive curriculums, affordable tuition fees and the availability of scholarships. All of these factors are dependent to a certain degree on budget. For accessible quality education, a serious financial commitment by the federal government is necessary, but often not sufficient to support education spending at institutions.
Conclusively, Education should not just be amongst the priorities of the government, Solving Pakistan’s education plight is not a one-organization job. All authorities,the ministry of education, the Punjab endowment funds (PEEF) and all relatedwith a vision to improve the state of education in Pakistan need to collaborate and work together. This should be a wakeup call for us – A Call to Action. I’m damn sure we can stand apex amongst the core nations if we reconsider and solve our educational rift.
