In the picturesque villages near Kalat district in Balochistan, a harsh reality plagues the dreams of young students like Mahwish. She is a seventh-grader with big ambitions, but her education is stifled by a fundamental issue: her school lacks essential facilities.
A Lack of Basic Facilities
Mahwish's predicament is not unique. Across Balochistan, a province in Pakistan, the dearth of school facilities remains a pressing issue. Despite an increase in the education budget, the situation has shown little improvement. Shockingly, not a single school in Balochistan boasts complete basic facilities for both students and teachers.
Nearly half of the schools in Balochistan lack boundary walls, compromising the security and attendance of students.
Six out of every ten schools lack access to drinking water and sanitation facilities.
Seven out of ten schools operate without electricity.
An alarming eight out of ten schools lack gas connections.
Essential resources like computer labs, science equipment, and classroom furniture are sorely absent.
This staggering lack of infrastructure makes education a formidable challenge for Balochistan's youth.
Budget Allocation Woes
Aziz Ahmed Jamali, Additional Secretary in the Education Department of Balochistan, attributes this crisis to budget allocation practices. The government and Members of Provincial Assembly (MPAs) often prioritize the construction of new, unnecessary schools over improving existing ones. Even when funds are allocated for vital facilities, distribution methods often hinder their effective utilization.
For instance, a substantial allocation of one billion rupees for water and sanitation facilities was disbursed on a constituency basis rather than a need basis, resulting in funds going unused.
Community Involvement and Ownership
One underlying issue is the lack of community ownership and involvement in maintaining school facilities. Many communities in Balochistan are illiterate and unaware of the importance of education. This has led to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) playing a pivotal role in mobilizing communities and fostering ownership.
Limited Resources and High Dropouts
The absence of basic facilities not only hampers education but also contributes to high dropout rates and low enrollment. Schools without these amenities fail to attract children, exacerbating the problem.
Ghulam Mustufa, Principal of Elementary College Kalat, categorizes the missing facilities into three major areas: human resources, building infrastructure, and materials. The lack of teaching staff places a heavy burden on existing personnel, leading to unfair means during exams. Additionally, insufficient infrastructure and materials further compound these issues.
Unfulfilled Promises and Legislation
The Balochistan Compulsory Education Act-2014, passed by the provincial assembly in February 2014, promised free and compulsory education for all school-going children in the province. It pledged the presence of teachers in all schools, the formation of Parent School Management Committees (PSMC), mid-day meals for students, and the maintenance of school infrastructure. Sadly, many of these promises remain unfulfilled.
The Role of Parents and Communities
Recognizing the vital role parents play in the education process, the government established Parents Teachers School Management Committees (PTSMC). These committees aim to engage parents in school matters and have been successful in improving education outcomes in various parts of the country.
Hameeda Noor, a social activist and Regional Campaign Organizer at Alif Ailaan in Naseer Abad Balochistan, emphasizes the potential of PTSMCs to monitor administrative functions, ensure discipline, and oversee school maintenance.
The Need for Immediate Action
To address the educational crisis in Balochistan, several steps should be taken:
Reform Selection Criteria: The government should improve the selection criteria for schools and teachers, focusing on qualifications, training, and fair compensation to elevate teaching standards.
Equal Facilities: All schools should receive basic facilities on an equal basis, eliminating political interference in resource allocation.
Nutrition and Healthcare: Providing students with a daily meal and access to weekly medical services can enhance their nutrition and well-being.
Promote Co-Curricular Activities: Playground access and co-curricular activities should be made mandatory to promote holistic development.
In conclusion, the state of education in Balochistan is dire due to the lack of essential facilities. Urgent reforms, increased community involvement, and a shift in budget allocation priorities are necessary to transform the education system and ensure a brighter future for Balochistan's youth.
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