Ghost Schools

Author: Mohammed Saleem
1 min read

KARACHI:

Apropos the letter “Ghost Teachers” published on September 19, 2024, the issue of ghost schools is another sad reality in Pakistan’s education system. These schools exist only in name, with buildings left abandoned and teachers still collecting salaries without fulfilling their responsibilities. However, the problem goes beyond just missing educators.

The rise of child labour in the country is alarming, and it is hard not to connect it with the state of these ghost schools. Many children are forced into work or beg on the streets because they don’t have access to education. According to the ILO, nearly 1 in 10 children aged 5-14 are engaged in child labour in Pakistan. A significant reason for this is that parents can’t afford private schools, leaving them with no choice but to rely on government schools, many of which have now become ghost institutions.

A recent survey by an educational group in rural Hub and Sindh found many schools closed for years, overrun by dust and animals. A lack of funds and resources has led to widespread closures, with several schools in Sindh alone shut down. The Pakistan Education Commission reports that 40% of government schools lack essential facilities like electricity, clean water and toilets.
This paints a bleak picture of the future of our children.

Without a proper education system, we are leaving them with few choices. It is crucial for the government to address this issue head-on. Reviving these ghost schools and ensuring they are functional is vital to preventing child labour and giving every child a chance at a brighter future.

Published (Editorial) in Express Tribune 20-September-2024.

Previous Story

PTA Launches Training Program To Enhance Child Online Protection and Digital Safety

polio-drop
Next Story

5,000 Reluctant Families Convinced To Vaccinate Children

Latest from Blog

Reluctant Families Convinced To Get Children Vaccinated

DERA GHAZI KHAN: After 26 families refused to vaccinate their children during the ongoing anti-polio campaign, health officials and the district administration have engaged with the parents through awareness efforts. After counseling, all hesitant parents were convinced and their children were administered polio drops. The campaign has made progress, with…

Police Suspect Honour Killing In Runaway Girl Case

RAWALPINDI: A young girl who reportedly ran away from her home died shortly after being brought back home by her parents and was laid to rest in the Jatli area, raising suspicions in the police that she might have been killed over ‘honour’. A detective foot constable posted at the…

Students Express Solidarity With Kashmiris

Participate in tableau, speech and song competitions to pay tribute ISLAMABAD. As Kashmir day approaches, Punjab Arts Council (PAC) in collaboration with APPSMA organised tableaus, Kashmiri songs and speech competitions to express solidarity with the Kashmiri people and to pay tribute to their struggle for freedom. Chief Guest of the…

Free Meal Scheme Launched In Government School

KARACHI: The longstanding plans to introduce free meals in public schools of Sindh had remained a virtual pipe dream until now. However, students at Allama Iqbal Government Boys and Girls Primary and Secondary School, situated at the junction of Sohrab Goth and Federal B Area, have started receiving free meals…
Go toTop