Twenty-six million. This figure has been doing the rounds in print and digital media for quite some time now. This is the total number of out-of-school children and adolescents (OOSCA) in Pakistan, the second highest in the world, according to the Pakistan Education Statistics. This number is 39
The extension of school vacations by a fortnight in Sindh – until August 14 – has triggered speculations about the actual reason behind the decision, beyond just the ongoing spell of hot weather. The media has pointed out the delay in the publication of textbooks as the prime
Disconnection from nature is a catalyst for the present environmental crisis and several physical, mental, and emotional illnesses. With mental health challenges on the rise in the US and climate change on the brink of becoming irreversible, there is an urgent need for educators who can help restore
Pakistan is in the spotlight for having the largest number of out-of-school children (26 million) and millions not learning the basics (ASER 2010-2023). Deficits in access and quality morph into an equity gap with gender and generational impacts. The Prime Minister of Pakistan, within nine weeks of stepping
A few days ago, some newspapers carried a news item that has not created a lot of waves yet. In its 49th meeting, the Governing Body of the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), the national regulator for engineering programmes, decided to allow pre-medical students to be considered for admission
The burden of summer vacation fees is too much for low-income families, making it difficult for parents who are struggling to make ends meet. Despite the absence of educational activities during vacations, parents are still required to pay a fee for those months as well, exacerbating their financial
The education system of Pakistan is becoming worse each day. The literacy rate of the country determines its success. The more educated the people, the more the country will progress. If Pakistan wants to progress, it must pay more attention to its educational system. Most schools don’t pay
Education is a fundamental right and a crucial driver of development, yet many girls in Pakistan are denied this basic right. Despite efforts to improve education, girls in Pakistan face numerous barriers that prevent them from attending school and reaching their full potential. One of the primary challenges
Pakistan’s prime minister’s declaration of an education emergency is a long-overdue recognition of the severe state of the nation’s education system. However, while well-intentioned, the 14-point plan released by the government lacks the urgency and transformative potential that an actual emergency demands. It reiterates existing initiatives, raising concerns
The Annual Report 2023-2024 of NCRC provides a comprehensive overview of the organization’s functions, highlighting their 5 Es Approach, the launch of a 3-year strategic plan, and the establishment of strategic partnerships. The report then delves into their notable progress in addressing crucial issues such as child labor
For a society which obsesses over rearing the perfect child, children faring poorly in academics are consistently shunned for not working hard enough, irrespective of whether their under-par scholastic performance is the direct result of an irregular study routine or a congenital learning difficulty like dyslexia. According to
THE prime minister recently declared an education emergency, a much-needed and welcome call to action. Our education system is in critical condition and experts must now step forward to revive it. International donors and NGOs must be watching keenly to see what happens this time. Academics may be