BY : Eiman Shaikh.
Karachi Pakistan : I’m writing to highlight the pressing need to enhance the quality of government schools in Pakistan. A significant concern is the inadequate infrastructure, with many schools lacking essential facilities
such as clean drinking water and proper sanitation. Recent government data shows that
approximately 74% of primary schools now offer basic sanitation facilities, and 72% provide access
to drinking water. However, these figures also reveal that a substantial number of schools still
operate without these critical amenities (Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, 2023). In terms of educational quality, challenges persist with outdated teaching methods and overcrowded classrooms. The student-to-teacher ratio remains high, averaging 47:1 in government schools, which hampers effective learning (World Bank, 2023). To address these challenges, the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training launched a Digital Continuous Professional Development (CPD) center under the National Institute of Excellence in Teacher Education (NIETE) in 2023, aiming to provide ongoing professional development for teachers (ProPakistani, 2023).
Despite these steps, much more needs to be done. It’s imperative for the government to increase investment in school infrastructure, ensure comprehensive teacher training, and modernize curricula to foster critical thinking skills. By doing so, we can create a more conducive learning environment and improve educational outcomes for all students.
