On the decline

According to the Economic Survey of Pakistan (2016-2017), the country’s literacy rate stood at 58 percent – after being dropped by two percent. A number of factors contribute in the low literacy rate in our country. The perceptions about education and extreme poverty are the leading factors in this regard. Most of the people link education with getting a good job and if this objective is not fulfilled, they think that education is a waste of time and money. In the same way, extreme poverty is another obstacle which keeps the parents from sending their children to school. Although the government provides free books to students in state-run schools, there are other constraints – for example transportation and proper uniform etc – which pose a formidable challenge to the poor.

Unless we change the perception of the people about education and resolve the poverty issues, the dream of an educated and enlightened Pakistan will remain elusive. We need to inform people that education is responsible for a peaceful and stable society. In order to cope with the issue of limited financial resources, affluent individuals must come up with a viable plan to support marginalised and underprivileged groups. The people with considerable means of income must visit nearby schools and, in consultation with the school administration, provide need-based scholarships to deserving students. If these steps are taken in a timely manner, they can help improve the standard of education.

Muhammad Fayyaz

Mianwali