Articles and letters may be edited for the purposes of clarity and space. They are published in good faith with a view to enlightening all the stakeholders. However, the contents of these writings may not necessarily match the views of the newspaper.
Effect of COVID-19 on education
As the impact of Corona is now nearly ending but the post effects of COVID-19 are surprisingly waiting for us. Education sector is highly affected by the strategic plan of government. Fortunately, we are able to tackle the notorious virus but the annual year of students is totally disturbed.
The government as well private sector is creating an accelerated learning program for the effective, quick & absorbable content for the students in a short period of time. The implementation of these course contents in the classroom is very challenging for teachers due to the short tenure. In this short time, as a nation, it’s our responsibility to do proper check and balance of our young children’s studies at different levels and help them achieve an effective understanding of the Curriculum.
DANISH MALIK
Rawalpindi
Let’s support each other
Majority of people experience mental health problems at some point in their life particularly at these uncertain times of Coronavirus and lockdowns which create isolation, loneliness, distress, anxiety and fear. I believe that mental health is the biggest unaddressed health challenge of our age.
Intolerance and prejudice are also damaging to us all, as those with mental health are less likely to seek timely care and treatment for fear of being labelled and ostracised. Mental health problems affect one-in-six of us at any one time and have a huge cost. Mental health is shaped by the environment we live in, so we should ensure our environment protects and promotes mental health. Social networks are protective for mental health. The stronger an individual’s social networks, the less likely they are to develop a range of mental health problems.
Physical activities also help. Physical activities like sports, exercises, playing, dancing or walking help prevent mental illness. Studies show that physical activities can enhance mood, reduce the likelihood of developing depression and anxiety and ameliorate the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Violence, abuse, neglect and bullying also cause mental health. Negative life events trigger mental health problems. Other traumatic life events involving violence, abuse and threatening behaviours can be prevented. Work-related stress caused by lack of appropriate support from supervisors, colleagues and inability to talk about work-related problems can trigger mental health issues. Good line management, human resources practices that increase employee input and control can help to reduce work-related stress and subsequent mental health problems.
HANDSEN CHIKOWORE
London
Mental health
This alludes to the story ‘Wedded ladies, single men under 30 in Pakistan well on the way to end it all’ (October 10). A large number of those experiencing mental issues in Pakistan assume that sharing their psychological issue and counselling the physiologists or therapists will gravely label them.
It is likewise to be recognized that the time we are living in is all the more saddling. Antidepressants help patients however can’t be a fix over the long haul. Patients get so used to antidepressants that a phase comes when it turns into dependence. What we need is general mindfulness about mental medicinal services.
NITASHA FAROOQ
Rawalpindi
Sexual violence & forced under-age marriages
I am very distressed that an average of 35,000 Zimbabwean girls suffer yearly from sexual abuse, exploitation, violence and miss education due to pregnancies. The major problems faced by girl children in Zimbabwe are access to education, child marriage, gender based violence, employment opportunities, reproductive health, rights, water, sanitation and sexual violence. Zimbabwean girls child work in hazardous conditions in agriculture, mining, domestic labour and other sectors trying to avoid sexual abuses.
On tobacco farms, children work long hours in extreme heat, exposed to nicotine and toxic pesticides that can make them sick. The government of Zimbabwe failed to end the worst forms of child labour and to ensure that all children are protected from jobs that interfere with their health, safety, and education. Careless ZANU PF government and President Emerson Mnangagwa have failed to uphold child laws and protect vulnerable girl children. They should be ashamed of their failures.
KUDZAI CHIKOWORE
London
Sugar price hike
This refers to unprecedented sugar price hike in Pakistan. In December 2018, price of sugar was Rs.51.64 per kg. But it has jumped from Rs.51 to 100 that is unaffordable for poor. Inflation has deteriorated the life of poor people. Everything is getting costly which causes high starvation, hunger and poverty in the country. Recently, costly prices of daily consumable things: sugar, flour, vegetables and medicines, have deprived poor of his right of life. Incumbent government has announced many probes into the issue, but no relief is given to financially-backwards yet. Government failed to bring culprits to book. It, resultantly, has still shedding negative repercussions.
From eatables to petroleum, everything is going to the sky. Increasing inflation has also forced people to beggary. According to a research, a large number of people have been living as beggar due to high inflation, unemployment, poor government strategy to deal with poverty. Government lacks in long term goals too. Planning for future dealings with problems is zero.
There is just bazaar of criticism in all political parties. PM Imran Khan had promised to improve things but none of his promise materialized. Government should focus on problems rather than criticising the Opposition. Pakistan is undergoing one of the toughest times in history and it is must that toughest action is taken for their redressal, please.
IMTIAZ ESSA HALEPOTO
Jamshoro