Awaran is a least developed district of Balochistan. Hailing from the same district, I have witnessed abject poverty, unaddressed problems, and deprived people with almost no representation in higher platforms. Prevalent fear and uncertainty continue to plague the general population.
The entire educational system in the district is dominated by influentials who are the very reason for a deteriorating educational sector. The rampant culture of impunity and nepotism have brought an already shaky educational system to a total collapse which has put the poorest at the receiving end of illiteracy. This sad state of affairs have left the poor and hardworking youth in a constant state of uncertainty vis-à-vis their future. No doubt, they deserve better than this.
As per an annual report on education in 2015, there is a poor learning of the students in the district which has led to low survival and transitional rates. Non-functional schools and lack of adequate teachers are the two main concerns as far as education is concerned in the district.
As per reports, 36 schools in the district are closed, along with 210 absent teachers from their duties; the district has 86 primary schools with a single teacher and 15 primary schools with only a single room. This speaks volume of the quality of education in Awaran.
Unfortunately, the status of non-functional schools compel the kids to joining laboring activities where they mostly face abuses. The poor state of education paves the way for the children towards gloomy lives by killing the real prospects of a better life for youngsters.
Education is the fundamental oxygen to breathe in every tough circumstance of life and a is means to killing the darkness. Everyone, in Awaran, desires in silence for books and pens, but all in vain.
They are in a dilemma; neither the kids (can) make a voice nor do the authorities comprehend their silence. And then they mourn in their hearts for days for they are directly deprived of their right to education. They are not only deprived from their educational right, but also far from their actual identity and peaceful lives.
Sadly, the district has no systematic way to approach out-of-school children through non-formal education or alternate learning pathways to bring them back to regular institutions on a fast track basis. There is no alternative role of authorities to create a die-hard concept for the out-of-school children to live a better life for rest of their lives.
But the sad thing is that, authorities are putting more hurdles on the ways of the children which certainly creates complicated hardships for the young generation of Awaran. Instead of creating massive awareness in order to raise the issues of people, the authorities have continued to bother them harder and harder. In fact, the government has not made any serious and coherent effort to highlight the recurring problems of the region.
On the other hand, the parents take out their enrolled children in the present schools because of extra burdens on their weak shoulders. It is mostly when the government increases the annual fees of the governmental schools (exam and annual fees).
This falls under the local bodies to ensure quality education served in the district, but they make excuses and worsen the structure of education. The agony for getting education was quite long. Now it is time to cure the pains with preventive efforts and actions. Let’s help the children to pick up pens and books to fulfill their dreams of a better future.
