In a very far village of Pakistan where the mountains meet the sky, a small, beautiful, cute girl Maham is sitting still . Her eyes are sparkling with a hope. She is dreaming of healing the pain of others. Looking high she dreams to fly. Breaking the chains, she wants to emerge stronger than ever. She is daring to dream of becoming a doctor. Imagining the utopia where every student aspiring to become a doctor has equal access to resources, mentorship and is part of the modernized education system that aligns with the global standards.
Conversely a broken system is standing in her way. At school she sits in bare and crowded room. Walls are cracked. Paint is peeling. Desks are torn. The bulb is flickering. Teacher writes on fainted and cracked chalkbboard. The writing is hardly visible. But she struggles to see the letters. This is how she is learning. She shares her old book with the other two girls. Pages are fragile. Still she dreams. She will be a doctor. She will help others…. But her dream is slipping further away with every passing day. Her chances are slim. It’s not because she’s lacking potential. But because our education system is failing her. She is not only one. Future of the millions of others is also at stake, if the revolutions in the education system are not made.
To compete in global race on urgent basis we must analyse our system. Identify it’s shortcomings. Highlight the changes that are necessary for it’s improvement. And act accordinginly to make it the best ever educational system of the world capable of fulfilling the dreams of all.
Across Pakistan beside the differences in infrastructure, the divide in urban and rural areas is also very prominent. In cities schools are equipped with the latest technology. They are provided with the world class education. But what if only a few hours away children are also provided with all the tools necessary for their success. They are also provided with the opportunities to learn through interactive lessons and digital classes. They are also guided by the highly qualified trained teachers. Extracurricular activities are there to polish their potential and skills. Only then the hopes in many eyes may keep their spark till the achievement. Technology and training has potential to bridge the gap but it requires the commitment and resources.
Highly planned , new, updated, comprehensive and uniform curriculum is much needed. A curriculum that encourages independent thinking, problem-solving, and innovation. Beside that it focus on fostering the ethics, value and morality. A curriculum that aligns with the contemporary global needs. We have to say goodbye to culture of rote and passive learning.
Gender inequality must be eliminated at any cost especially when it comes to education. Over 60% of girls in rural areas don’t complete their primary education. They don’t learn to read and write. Cultural barriers, early marriages, and the lack of safe learning environments beside illetaracy and ignorance are main reasons. These reasons must be addressed so that everyone gets an equal opportunity to learn and study.
Through out cities and villages the gap between the private and government schools must be bridged. Private education sector can partner with the government education sector to improve the standards of education in government schools as well. Parents and communities must demand the highest level of education for their children.
Teachers revolution is must for the effective revolution. If they can’t be paid higher at least they should be paid what they deserve. They must be trained at the highest level so that they in turn can train our future. They must be valued. They must be respected. They must be empowered. They must be supported from all possible aspects.
The revolution we need is one that put the students of generation Z at the center. They must be guided how to learn more than what to learn. Their mental health support is essential. We need the revolution that empowers them to become the leaders of tomorrow.
The government must take action. It must provide the resources and bring reforms in policies. It is spending too little in education. This needs to be changed. The education budget must increase to greater ratio. Our larger population is part of rural areas, how can we dream of educated Pakistan while they are the ignorant. More resources should be allocated for them. Teachers must be trained and paid well. The curriculum must focus on critical thinking. Gender equality must be enforced. Every child deserves education. The digital gap must close. Immediate reform is essential. Education is the future we must invest on it.
Modern assessment methods like projects, oral exams, and skill-based evaluations should be introduced. Digital tools can ensure transparency and efficiency. Strict measures must check cheating and corruption.Teachers should be trained to design exams that encourage deeper and critical thinking. Equal access to resources must be provided to all students.To improve examination standards, immediate actions must be taken in context of assessments and evaluations.
To address the rising issue of unemployment among the educated youth, financial literacy and technical education should be made a part of secondary education. Classes for stitching sewing, cooking, knitting, carpentry, electrical, driving, painting, calligraphy etc can be introduced.
To ensure that every child, from every corner of the country has access to quality education, along with government, every citizen, every businessman, every organization, teachers, parents, students, and leaders must strive and play their part for reforms in existing system.
Pakistan does not have to look far for inspiration. Countries like Finland and Singapore have shown that with the right investment, the right vision, education can be the engine of national transformation. These nations did not wait for the future but they built it.
The question is no longer whether we can afford to fix our education system. The real question is that can we afford not to? If we do not act now, we risk losing everything. If we do, we will create a future where every child, no matter where they are born, has the chance to rise to their fullest potential. Only then the dream of every Maham can be fulfilled.
