Muzaffarabad ,(Parliament Times) : Today marks a significant milestone in the educational landscape of Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJ&K) as the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) for the year 2023 is officially launched. ASER, the largest citizen-led household survey conducted under the auspices of Idar-e-Taleem-o-Aagahi (ITA), serves as a crucial instrument in assessing foundational literacy and numeracy across Pakistan. With its inception in 2008, ASER has been instrumental in providing valuable insights into educational access, quality, and learning outcomes, playing a pivotal role in shaping educational policies and interventions nationwide.
The ASER Provincial Launch in AJ&K, held today in Muzaffarabad, unveils a wealth of comprehensive insights garnered from extensive data collection and analysis. The report covers all 10 districts, 296 villages, 529 schools, 5843 households and 12, 091 children between the ages of 3-16 in AJ&K, offering a nuanced understanding of the educational landscape, challenges, and opportunities.
Enrolment Rates and Educational Access
One of the key highlights of the ASER 2023 report in AJ&K is the remarkable increase in enrolment rates, signaling a positive trend in educational access. The report indicates that AJ&K boasts a 98% enrolment rate for 6–16-year-olds, demonstrating a significant improvement from 92% in 2021 and 58% (52% in 2021) for Early Childhood Education (ECE). This surge in enrolment reflects concerted efforts to enhance access to education for children across AJ&K, laying a solid foundation for future educational endeavors.
Government vs. Private School Enrolment
While the report indicates a shift towards private schooling for younger children (3–5-year-olds), government schools continue to play a pivotal role in accommodating the majority (53%) of 6-16-year-olds. This nuanced analysis sheds light on the dynamics of educational preferences and choices among parents in AJ&K, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to ensure equitable access to quality education across both public and private sectors.
Learning Levels and Gender Parity
ASER 2023 underscores commendable learning levels among students in grade 5 for Urdu Story reading in AJ&K, with 76% (72% in 2021) of 5–16-year-olds exhibiting proficiency in story reading. While there is a dip in English Sentence reading and solving two-digit divisions in Arithmetic. 70% (86% in 2021) of children can read a set of sentences proficiently in English, and 60% (71% in 2021) can solve 2-digit arithmetic divisions. Moreover, gender disparities in learning outcomes remain minimal, with marginal differences observed between male and female students. This gender parity underscores the inclusive nature of educational initiatives in AJ&K, fostering an environment conducive to holistic development and empowerment.
Reduced Out-of-School Children and Parental Education
One of the most promising findings of the ASER 2023 report is the significant reduction in the percentage of out-of-school children in AJ&K. Compared to 2021, the current report indicates a notable decrease in the number of children out of school, reflecting improved access to educational opportunities. ASER 2021 reported 4% of males and females who were out of school and this year this has decreased to 1.2% of females and only a meager 1% of males. Additionally, while there’s an increase in fathers’ education levels (65% in 2021 to 71% in 2023), there’s a slight decline in mothers’ primary education attainment (79% in 2021 to 59% in 2023), signaling the need for targeted interventions to enhance maternal literacy and parental engagement in education.
Technology Access and Climate Change Awareness
Access to technology emerges as a crucial theme in the ASER 2023 report, with insights into household technology usage and connectivity. The report reveals that 26% of households in AJ&K have internet connectivity, 74% have smartphones, 63% of households use WhatsApp, and 76% of households use SMS, underscoring the transformative potential of technology in education. Furthermore, ASER’s unique focus on climate change sheds light on the impact of environmental factors on education, highlighting the need for climate-resilient education strategies and awareness initiatives. The report finds that 27% of households reported being “well informed” about climate change. Climate change has been felt in the form of natural disasters and the recent floods. 24% of households reported being impacted “significantly” by any natural disaster within the last year.
Infrastructure and Facilities in Schools
The report provides valuable insights into the state of infrastructure and resources in schools across AJ&K. While there are improvements in teacher attendance and facilities at the primary level for both government and private schools, challenges such as boundary walls and sanitation persist, calling for targeted investments in school infrastructure and resources. Moreover, efforts to promote inclusive education are evident, with a significant percentage of schools accommodating students with functional disabilities. AJ&K reported having 15% of children in government schools and 13% of children in private schools with any functional disability.
Healthcare Awareness and Vaccination Coverage
ASER underscores the importance of healthcare access and vaccination coverage in promoting child well-being and educational attainment. The report indicates that 52% of assessed children in AJ&K have received all basic vaccinations (15% have none), highlighting the need for sustained health education initiatives and healthcare access in marginalized communities.
In conclusion, the ASER Provincial Launch in AJ&K serves as a clarion call for policymakers, educators, and stakeholders to redouble their efforts in advancing inclusive and quality education. By leveraging the insights gleaned from ASER, AJ&K can chart a course toward equitable educational opportunities, sustainable development, and empowerment for all its citizens.
