AS the World Children’s Day is being observed today (Sunday), it is really important to recognize the very basic right of children to have equal access to quality education.
Unfortunately it is not the case in Pakistan where a variety of educational systems exist which further class differences and are a big hurdle in bringing the much needed unity and harmony.
In terms of curriculum, teaching methodology and facilities, our public and private sector schools and then religious seminaries have a totally different milieu.
The result is that those who have secured a relatively higher standard of education grab the available opportunities leaving the deprived ones frustrated.
All this is only creating unrest in our already polarized society. Hence, any effort to eradicate these differences may be seen with good intention and a step in the right direction.
Single National Curriculum can prove to be a head-start for the less privileged by providing them quality education regardless of their social status and background.
In the long run, it will result in the reduction of the gap among different segments of society; thus, ensure social cohesion and national integration.
Implementation of a uniform curriculum in the early years of schooling is very pivotal to ensure greater levels of tolerance and patience in our children which will foster a same set of beliefs to get the people into a single entity.
It is a matter of satisfaction that a uniform syllabus has been implemented at the primary level but the process should be taken forward to the middle and matric level but after thorough deliberations with the relevant stakeholders so that its real objectives could be achieved.
The move can also help ensure the development of a positive national narrative by the inclusion of such areas of knowledge in the curriculum.
The curriculum should be balanced which should acquaint our children about the true teachings of their religion as well as enable them to better compete with the work by placing greater emphasis on critical and creative thinking rather than the culture of rote memorizing.
Uniformity of medium of instruction and syllabi as well as better learning environment in all the schools either public or private and religious seminaries will help reduce inequality and social class disparities and resultantly pave the way for equitable opportunities for upward social mobility for all.
