Is the education emergency being treated as an emergency!

0
37

By Laraib Kiani – Coordinator Program Development, Communication & Advocacy

Pakistan’s education system is in dire straits. Over 26 million children are out of school, and the quality of education for those enrolled is alarmingly low. This crisis is not a new phenomenon, but the lack of political will to address it is a serious threat to Pakistan’s future. The third episode of our podcast Let’s Talk Education with Dr. Faisal Bari, Dean, School of Education, LUMS, explores the gravity of the education emergency, the lack of tangible action reveals a deeper issue—an entrenched pattern of inaction and misplaced priorities that have brought unto Pakistan this alarming scenario.   

“The sheer number of out-of-school children is staggering, an equally concerning issue is the declining quality of education for those who are enrolled” highlighted Areebah Shahid.

This essentially means that the public education system remains inadequately equipped to provide quality education to a significant number of children enrolled in schools. More than 70% of ten-year-old children in Pakistan are unable to read and understand a simple sentence.

“The waste of resources, potential and time of children is a serious criminal neglect, this leads to the question if meaningful progress is ever possible for a county where its children are deprived of the education and skills needed to succeed”, said Areebah Shahid.

“We have reached a decisive and pivotal moment in history in terms of education, 26 million is almost the size of Canada’s population. That is the number of children who are being denied the right to education.” observed Dr. Faisal Bari.

The public investment in education has historically remained below international benchmark of 4-6% of GDP. However, education financing cannot be delayed till reaching development stage as quality education is the foundation on which strong structure of sustainable development of a country can be developed.

“It is not about money rather the absence of political will, development countries like China, USA and Japan have achieved their current status by prioritizing education financing and reforms” stressed Dr. Bari.

“Legislators and policy makers have thorough understanding of these ground realities and challenges in equitable access to education, yet they have their own justifications and excuses for the education emergency. Legislators are treating education as a luxury rather than a fundamental right. This is a situation which needs to be redirected”, added Areebah Shahid.

A fundamental shift in thinking and innovative approach in education policy planning is the need of the hour. Pakistan cannot continue relying on short-term solutions whose efficiency has remain unsustainable. Education must be prioritized before economic progress, as it is key to sustainable growth. Education lays the groundwork for an innovative and skilled workforce and technical and vocational training programs are crucial for equipping children with employable skills. This can help break the cycle of poverty and move the country toward sustainable development.

The education emergency makes a compelling a compelling case for the implementation of Article 25-A in earnest. This article mandates compulsory education, meaning that both the state and parents have a shared responsibility to ensure that children are educated. Addressing the structural challenges and social biases can help us unlock the true economic and development potential and the state must create a conducive environment for each citizen to contribute starting with ensuring the equitable right to education.

“If Pakistan is to secure its future, the education emergency must be treated with the urgency it deserves” urged Dr. Bari.

Click below to watch the full episode 👇