Articles and letters may be edited for the purposes of clarity and space.
Outsourcing education
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, approved by the world nations at the UN General Assembly in 1948, has recognized the right to education in the following words: “Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory.”
The Punjab government’s recent decision to outsource over 8,000 public schools to private sector partners has sparked considerable criticism, and rightly so. This move, touted as a transformation in the education sector, raises serious concerns about the state’s commitment to providing quality education to its citizens. The notion that the private sector can address the deep-rooted issues within public education is not just overly optimistic; it is a dangerous abdication of responsibility by the government.
The challenges are systemic, and simply shifting the burden to the private sector is unlikely to address the core issues plaguing the education system. There is a legitimate concern that this initiative will only widen the gap between the privileged and the underprivileged, as private entities prioritize profit over the public good. Education, much like healthcare, is a basic service that the state is obligated to provide. Handing over such critical services to private entities may work in other sectors, but when it comes to areas that directly impact the lives of millions, such an approach is fraught with risks.
In the end, this move reflects a broader failure of governance. The state’s inability to effectively manage and improve its own institutions is not solved by outsourcing but exacerbated. Instead of shirking its responsibilities, the government should focus on reforming and revitalizing public education to ensure it serves all citizens, not just those who can afford to pay for it.
QAZI JAMSHED SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Red Zone blockades
The perpetual blockade of Islamabad’s red zone has widened the gap in getting education in Pakistan. Every party and union that is out of cadre when seems angry at the government turns its void head to parliament. They barricade the main roads of the capitals. Unfortunately, the main entrance to the national library of Pakistan is also located there.
Students, scholars and learners keep a vibrant soul for their studies and research. They use the national library as an asset where facilities for studying with a quite calm and better milieu have been provided. However, all this process gets devastated and becomes devoid of learning and studying when the main entrance to the national library has been barricaded by the cops of the Islamabad administration and protestors.
Recently, the Sarena Hotel entrance was blocked on account of providing full proof security to the Bangladesh cricket team. After that, fear of protest by Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf activists and workers put the red line to cross the red zone area. Students from far sectors use public transportation like metros and green buses to reach the library on time, but their spirit of learning dies on seeing such a blockade of roads.
Public transport suspension leads to both economic and educational losses. The government should explore alternatives to allow students, staff, and workers of the National Library access by showing their student or library cards, as they have no other routes. Blocking roads not only hampers their access but also exacerbates the nation’s already struggling development and progress.
SHOAIB AHMED
Islamabad
The early bird
They say the early bird catches the worm, and when it comes to childhood development, early intervention is key. The early years of a child’s life are crucial for building social and cognitive skills. However, the business model of many educational institutions, including preschools, often disrupts the Montessori system. These institutions frequently prioritize completing the curriculum over fostering essential developmental aspects.
In my own experience, the preschool my child attends emphasizes finishing the course and assigning homework, while offering limited focus on physical and mental activities. This approach undermines the holistic development crucial in early childhood. Although some exemplary Montessori schools provide a balanced educational experience, their high fees make them financially inaccessible to many families.
To address this issue, it is imperative that competent authorities in academia take action. There is a pressing need for educational reform to ensure early childhood programs strike a balance between structured learning and developmental activities. Such reforms could lead to more effective and inclusive early education, supporting every child’s potential for a successful start in life.
HIRA AYAZ
Islamabad
