(MENAFN- Tribal News Network)
In Central Kurram, where dreams of higher education seem distant, students face daily challenges just to access basic schooling. Unlike the rest of the world, where multiple degrees are common, here students must walk 3 to 4 kilometers every day to find a functioning school.
A local teacher, Hayatullah Majrooh, shared his worries, "For 200 students in our area, the daily trek to neighboring schools is a significant hardship for both students and teachers." This highlights a problem that desperately needs the authorities' attention for the sake of these children's future.
The situation is particularly dire for girls. Central Kurram has no high schools for girls, only two for boys. Dr. Malik Bilal Khan, a local social worker, said, "There are no high schools for girls; the nearest higher secondary school is out of reach."
Also Read: Governor Demands CM KP's Resignation, Offers Free Mental Health Treatment
Currently, there are 56 primary schools for girls in Central Kurram, but 21 are closed, and 19 operate with only one teacher. For middle schools, there are 14, but 10 remain non-functional. Boys have access to 120 primary schools, 26 middle schools, 11 high schools, and 2 higher secondary schools, yet many of these also face closure or poor operation.
Teacher Olas Chamkani pointed out that many female teachers from Upper Kurram assigned to Central Kurram are often absent, which severely impacts girls' education. This neglect not only fails these educators' duty but also crushes the hopes of young girls striving for education.
Mir Jahan, a senior instructor, revealed that most schools are non-operational, and those that function suffer from teacher neglect. Last year's protests for better funding and teacher recruitment resulted in little change, with allocated funds misused by corrupt officials.
Students express deep disappointment and hopelessness about their future. Most parents cannot afford to send their children to distant cities for education and must accept the local limitations.
This disparity in educational opportunities between affluent and impoverished families highlights the urgent need for systemic change and support for rural education. Every child, regardless of background, deserves equal opportunities for a promising future.
In conclusion, the government must act decisively and commit resources to address this educational crisis. Education is a fundamental right and a duty owed by the state. Neglecting these children's education risks breeding resentment and alienation, potentially leading them toward anti-state activities. The current flawed system forces many Pakistani children to seek educational opportunities abroad, often through any means necessary, lawful or otherwise.
MENAFN30072024000189011041ID1108496790
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.