YAISHWARYAJ: {Awareness} Pakistan’s system of education.

Friends

Aslam o Alaikum

Pakistan's system of education is in a state of crisis. 25 million children are out of school and those who do attend school receive an education of poor quality. Of the children who enrol in Class 1, nearly 75% drop out before completing their schooling. School buildings are crumbling, basic facilities are missing and many schools are non-functional or exist only on paper. Teachers are overworked and poorly trained, and teacher absenteeism is common. These are just some of the problems that need to be tackled immediately.

The challenge is daunting but it is not insurmountable. Here are three steps for our leaders to start addressing Pakistan's education crisis right now:

1) Own and invest in education: Our leaders acknowledge the scale of the education crisis and have committed to substantive reform of the system this past year. The next step is to make education a top priority and work together to ensure that the necessary funds -- at least 4% of GDP -- are allocated so that these commitments can be turned into action.

2) Use data and plan smarter: It is impossible to bring about meaningful change without a plan. For planning to be effective, reliable and up-to-date data are required. In September 2013 the Ministry of Education formulated the 'National Plan of Action to Accelerate Education-Related MDGs'. This is a positive step and the National Plan of Action must be properly implemented. Measures are also needed to review and strengthen the plan, where necessary, with newer and more reliable data.

3) Focus on quality: Of the children who enter school in Class 1, only 25% reach Class 10. The rest drop out before completing their schooling. Low quality of education is a major cause for drop outs. It is not enough simply to get children into school and the focus must shift to providing high quality education.

It is time to deliver this message to our political representatives. If you agree, go tohttp://www.alifailaan.pk/write_to_your_mna_mpa and demand action on the above recommendations.

Alif Ailaan
http://alifailaan.nationbuilder.com/

Regards,

Abdul Raheem Mahar

Operation Coordinator

Triple A Hauliers Ltd

Dar Es Salaam Tanzania.

00255672481374