Moalims

I want to highlight an indisputable fact that the children of the poor also have a right to acquire knowledge and free themselves from poverty. It is terrible to see those innocent souls with torn clothes and starving stomachs. It was their fate that caused them to be born in a poor house. The rich enjoy winters sitting in front of heaters and enjoying dry fruits, while the poor are starving for just a loaf of bread. Is this fair? Should not they be given just a chance to take their future in their own hands and work hard to make it different from their present? Should not they be given a right to quality education?

According to a UNESCO report, 5.5 million children are out of school in Pakistan and this is the second highest number in the world. No change in this statistical figure indicates that no serious initiatives are being taken to eradicate illiteracy among children. Moreover, schools existing for such children have miserably failed in providing quality education.

What we need now from the education ministry of Pakistan is not some new schemes of charity or a call for more schools but a deeper insight into the system of existing schools. We need to investigate the reasons behind the failure of public schools. I am convinced that quality education in these schools can never be provided until the faculty is educated till a required level together with the change in attitude of both the admin members and faculty. There should be a proper check and balance system.

MEHR NOOR NADEEM