By Rafiullah Mandokhail;
ZHOB: In order to discuss the state of education, problems and their possible solutions and expectations from candidates contesting the upcoming polls, AWARE organization in collaboration with Alif Ailaan held a multi-party event titled ‘Vote Lo, Taleem Do – Taleemi Jirga’ (Vote for Education) in the hilly area Mani Khwa of Sherani district. Aspiring candidates from national and provincial assembly constituencies PB-1, NA-257 and their supporters got together during the Jirga and pledged to improve the infrastructure in government-run schools and efforts for girls’ education would be made in the district.
Briefing the participants regarding the aim and objectives of holding Jirga, missing facilities at schools in the district, gender disparity, lack of middle schools and other issues, founder Sabawon organization Saboor Zakhpail said that Sherani district stands at 28th in term of school infrastructure out of the 32 ranked districts in Balochistan. Gender disparity is evident by the fact that a small number of the schools are for girls and out of the total 167 schools in Sherani, only 18 are girls’ schools.
He revealed that only 21% enrolled children continue their study in the district, adding shortage of post primary schools, unavailability of basic school infrastructure and facilities are the most important factors contributing to falling education standards in the district. “There are 176 primary level, 12 middle and 6 high schools in the district but the district has no high secondary school,” adding against every 15 primary schools, there is only one middle school. Therefore, students after passing primary schools do not have enough schools in catchment areas to attend. There are 18 for girls and 158 schools for boys. Only 25% children of grade 5 can read the basic mathematics. Zakhpail added.
Regional Campaign organizer AWARE and Kushnai Ghazni Abid Sherani said that the organization has been struggling since long in the area for the improvement of education and holds school enrollment campaigns and education seminars from time to time to motivate the area people to the noble cause. He said.
JUI-Ideological candidate Abdul Hameed Sherani speaking on the occasion appreciated the efforts for education and holding education Jirga in the remote area of the district. The candidate said that he belonged to a hand-to-mouth family. He would pay attention to poor and marginalized community, if elected in the upcoming general elections. JUI leader also reiterated his commitment to place education as top priority and ensure facilities in government-run schools in his constituency.
“Setting up the library is in finishing touches. It will be inaugurated soon in order to keep the reading trend alive.” He promised.
Principal Inter College Mani Khwa, Hashim Sherani termed the establishment of Inter College Mani Khwa, bus for students’ pick and drop and construction of high school Lwara, the results of hectic efforts of Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami party.
Representative of Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami party advocate Dawood Khan Sherani said that the biggest problem we are facing is the class-based educational system in the country that Pk-MAP has always discouraged. His party wants equal education system both in rural and urban areas in the entire country. He called upon all stakeholders to make joint efforts to improve educational system.
“Pk-MAP established 35 new schools in the district during the coalition government in the province.”
He said some elements were erecting hurdles in the way of education, which should be discouraged at all level.
He maintained that during his party’s tenure Inter College Mani Khwa was constructed, besides primary schools were also built in different parts of the district. He added.
Senior teacher, educationist Akber Sherani said majority of the existing schools in the district are shelter-less, lack basic facilities and comprise one school one teacher. These factors have negatively contributed to poor learning outcomes of students. Construction of political-based schools could not facilitate the students, some are in a dilapidated condition due to lack of repair work. He explained.
The tribal elder Malik Sharaf-ud-Din Sherani emphasized the importance of unity among political parties to achieve the goal of education reforms and improve quality of education.