Education, pandemic and reforms

The coronavirus pandemic has affected various sectors of the economy. There is complete uncertainty and no timeframe can be provided when this global crisis will be over. We can only hope and pray that the ailment fades away and we can resume our routine lives.

The education sector is one of the worst affected amid the pandemic. If the situation is brought under control within a few months, we will be able to safeguard the education sector else or else we face massive risks. It is certainly obligatory upon schools to adhere to the government’s directive for a 20% reduction in school fees during the lockdown months, although the truth is that private schools are given more relaxations and incentives as we stay at home and deal with the crisis.

Private schools are facing a wide range of problems and there have been misconceptions regarding school fees. It is wrongly presumed that private schools charge exorbitant fees while many are not even profitable. The fees vouchers of January and February are being shown to indicate higher fees are charged. On the other hand, schools also have an obligation to pay teachers and staff salaries while the academic year has not finished yet.

Teachers are a pillar of society and any criticism of educators is deplorable and highly unacceptable. It is unjustified to discredit teachers and declare schools a ‘mafia’ and must be condemned in the strongest terms. There might some unethical practices in certain schools, which we condemn, and are cooperating with parents for all educational institutes registered with the Private Schools and Colleges Association. It is the responsibility of the government to take stern action against school not complying with the fee reduction. The Private Schools Association will not resist if any action is taken against them.

Parents will have to play a role as their child’s academics have been disrupted due to the lockdown. There has been a loss of studies and students are away from schools and tuitions and would not learn much. Many schools have developed a syllabus that can be completed at home with assistance from the internet. Others have started conducting online classes. Parents need to take further responsibilities and ensure that the loss of studies due to lockdown is filled.

In private schools, many students have outstanding for months and either don’t attend or have joined other institutes. We have never taken any legal action against their guardians. Yet we have been called a ‘mafia’ which is degrading for teachers and a noble profession such as education. This practice should be ended once and for all. Just like other sectors, the government should also announce a financial stimulus package for the education sector as well.

Another thing which needs to be emphasized is to introduce a uniformed syllabus and end the dual educational system. Countries develop when the medium of instruction is in their mother tongues and we can compete with the rest of the world. Small private schools in Pakistan do not have the resources to compete with large ones, while public schools are in a dismal state and shall not be discussed. Apart from this, the government needs to increase funds for the educational sector.