Education in Balochistan is at a crossroads. Many students here cannot attend school or do not learn sufficiently when they do. In 2024, it is time to implement substantial changes. This article examines the problems in Balochistan’s schools and proposes ways to address them, providing every student with an opportunity to learn.
Balochistan’s schools are confronting numerous problems that impede student learning. The region has the lowest literacy rate in Pakistan. Only 41% of people here can read and write, compared to 59% nationally. For women, especially in rural areas, the situation is even worse – only about 25% are literate. One of the most pressing issues is that many schools lack basic necessities. 79% of schools do not have electricity, 60% lack functional toilets, and many do not have proper classrooms or even perimeter walls. These deficiencies make it particularly challenging for girls to remain in school.
Balochistan suffers from a shortage of trained educators, especially female teachers. There is one teacher for every 30 students, which appears adequate, but many teachers have not received proper training, and the curriculum does not always meet students’ needs, especially for girls. Many schools are located far from residential areas, and certain traditional beliefs about girls’ roles make it difficult for them to attend school. This is especially problematic in villages where it might be unsafe for girls to travel long distances.
The prevailing mindset in Balochistan sometimes creates barriers for students, particularly girls, to access education. Many girls in Balochistan marry before they turn 18, often resulting in them discontinuing their education. In numerous communities, people believe girls do not need schooling. A study in 2020 revealed that 70% of parents in Balochistan did not prioritize their daughters’ education. Some areas of Balochistan are not secure, which makes families reluctant to send their children, especially girls, to school.
The Pakistani government and various international organizations have attempted to improve education in Balochistan, but these efforts have met with mixed success. The Balochistan Education Sector Plan (BESP) 2013-2018 was a comprehensive initiative to enhance education for everyone. It aimed to increase girls’ school attendance, but implementation proved challenging due to financial constraints and other issues. The government introduced conditional cash transfers for families who send their daughters to school. This strategy showed some success in urban areas but had limited impact in rural regions. They also established community schools closer to residential areas. While this increased girls’ enrollment, sustaining these schools has been difficult due to insufficient funding and a lack of qualified teachers.
To address these challenges and significantly improve education in Balochistan, here are some proposed solutions: Allocate more resources to construct and renovate schools, ensuring they all have electricity, clean water, and functional toilets. Enhance school security by constructing boundary walls and implementing additional safety measures, especially for girls’ schools. Initiate a comprehensive teacher training program to improve instructional quality. Provide incentives to attract and retain teachers in rural areas, particularly female educators. Implement mentorship programs to support new teachers by pairing them with experienced colleagues. Develop a curriculum that reflects the cultural context of Balochistan while also fostering critical thinking and practical skills. Integrate technology and digital literacy into the educational framework.
Other crucial steps include launching awareness programs to emphasize the importance of education, especially for girls. Engage in dialogue with local leaders and parents to address cultural barriers to education. Optimize staffing ratios in schools to ensure an appropriate balance between teaching and non-teaching staff. Improve resource management skills among university administrators. Encourage corporate social responsibility initiatives to support education in Balochistan. Leverage e-learning platforms and mobile classrooms to overcome geographical barriers. Provide digital devices and internet connectivity to schools in remote areas to facilitate distance learning. Establish vocational training centers to equip students with job-ready skills. Partner with industries to create apprenticeship programs and ensure job placement for graduates. Implement a robust monitoring and evaluation system to track progress in the education sector. Utilize data-driven decision-making to identify areas for improvement and allocate resources effectively.
Despite the numerous challenges, there have been some positive developments in Balochistan’s education sector. Women like Haseena Moin and Dr. Fouzia Saeed have achieved remarkable success in education and social activism, serving as role models for girls in Balochistan. Organizations such as the Balochistan Rural Support Program (BRSP) have implemented successful projects focused on establishing girls’ schools, training female teachers, and raising awareness about the importance of girls’ education. In some districts, like Kech, local elders have collaborated with NGOs and government officials to improve educational facilities and encourage families to educate their daughters. As a result, these areas have seen increased enrollment and retention rates among female students.
Improving education in Balochistan is challenging but not insurmountable. By addressing infrastructure deficiencies, enhancing teacher training, reforming curricula, engaging communities, and leveraging technology, Balochistan can significantly improve its education system for all students. As we enter 2024, it is crucial for all stakeholders – government, NGOs, communities, and the private sector – to work collaboratively towards this common goal. Education is not merely a fundamental right; it is the key to Balochistan’s future prosperity and development. Through concerted efforts and unwavering commitment, we can transform Balochistan’s educational landscape, ensuring that every student, regardless of gender or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to a brighter future for the province and the nation as a whole.
articulated by:Faryal Baloch an independent researcher
