Education in Pakistan is a luxury that few can afford to suitably bask in. Unfortunately, fewer of those ‘few’ have their share of serendipity to continue it to the higher levels. While the rest try to venture out with their own means of progress. There is hardly anyone to blame except for the known ‘responsibility bearers’. A country whose pride takes a nosedive when it comes to the literacy level, also struggles with a myriad of problems in the field of education; several of these are self generated, and advocated on the basis of conventional wisdom. There exists a very subtle distinction between ‘education’ and ‘quality education’. One could be primarily optimistic about the growing trend of students partaking in the Cambridge system. Meaning, they will get a firm foundation incipiently, on which they can opt for their professional studies. At many levels we might be at par with other international graduates, but at most levels we are below par and out-matched. The root cause lies in the ignorance and negligence one suffers that might be from the educational institutions, home or simply snared in the self. When our base does not suffice to substantiate our academic careers, we suffer enduringly. The wasted lessons of the teacher inculcating basic English in most of the classes, or in technical/scientific education and is the constant restoration of grass-root concepts, usurps the time and perseverance of other students and the teacher. Moreover, we have a long forgotten culture of extensive reading and research as well. We hardly endeavour to study apart from the prescribed course. Scratch the surface and these things overall contribute to a general decline of knowledge and a disparaged grading of our students. We need to contemplate this conundrum that if students from any other nation study eight hours per day, how do we compete with them knowing the vacuum that exists? When it comes to the discrepancy that continues arbitrarily in the educational system within Pakistan, the situation is undoubtedly an eyebrow-raiser. The budget allocation is minimal, while the Constitution proclaims that primary education up to the age of 16 is free and the responsibility of the state. Being fairly acquainted with the local scenario, the state has never been in such a placating position. On top of that, the crème de la crème tries to harness all their resources and efforts to study abroad. Truly, everyone is entitled to education and whoever wants to excel in it, has the right to do so. The brain drain might debunk the Pakistani education system amidst all its flaws, but it also revives the culture of research and study when such scholars return to their abode. The air of competitiveness livens up the concept of ‘quality education’. On a prescriptive note, how can we add a sufficient amount to the budget’s portion for education when we can’t replace security needs in the first place? When we can’t battle insecurities, terrorism, militarism and fundamentalism with enlightenment, who will vouch for a substantial amount for the education sector when the demons loom around unfettered.
Posted on: Wed, 17 Jul 2013 14:13:23 +0000
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