Education is the backbone for the growth and prosperity of any nation. Education is the tool that has the power to turn raw material into concrete structures. It is the education that gives us the ability to unveil the secrets of the universe and our own hidden potential. Educated is the best armament for bringing change in the society.
Nevertheless, the benefits of education can only be reaped only when it is up to the mark, encompassing a comprehensive approach that includes academic excellence , character development, social responsibility, cultivation for critical thinking, zeal for innovation and a passion for lifelong learning. If the education system fails to develop these healthy and beneficial traits among individuals, it is never going to create an affluent nation.
It is quite unfortunate that education is the area which is given the least importance in my country. A vast majority of school-aged children are out of school and most of those who are going to school do not get the quality education.
The first calamity of education system is the creation of discrimination among masses. The first discrimination is created by dividing the schools in public and private sectors. The private sector has further discrimination created by the fee structure and facilities.
The quality of education in the public schools is quite poor. While the official language of Pakistan is English the public schools are Urdu Medium. This way, the kids are devoid of learning the basic skills of communication and expression that they need to foster for successful careers.
Not only for the careers but the public school's students face difficulties in their journey of higher education as the text books there are in English and so despite being intellectual and capable, the language barrier stands in their pathway.
In the private sector, while there are some genuine schools trying to provide quality education in reasonable price, there are a number of schools that are not really concerned with the education quality but with their money.
On the other hand, there is a group of private schools that is unreachable even for the upper middle class. Only the children of highly affluent families can afford the admission in those schools.
Consequently, the education that is supposed to inculcate love, fraternity and unity becomes the ground for the development of discrimination, injustice, inequity, pride and prejudice.
While there are so many things that need to be modified in the education system of the country, the first and the foremost aspect that must be changed is the elimination of the differences created by various sectors of schools and their text books.
Every kid of the nation must be studying from similar text books in the same language by trained teachers. A kid from a poor family must be given the same knowledge of the world as the kid of an affluent family. This way, both the kids would have equal opportunity to compete and opt for a particular career.
If I am given a chance to take one thing out of the current education system, I would eliminate the discrimination. I would make the elementary education free for all where people belonging to all the socioeconomic groups would study similar text books. Moreover, I would make sure that the teachers are well trained and sincere to their profession.
Furthermore, I would ensure the books provide updated and relevant knowledge that is required for development of necessary skills coupled with a deep-seated passion for innovation, creativity, and research and development. Besides, I would implement the necessary changes in the examination system to ensure that the knowledge read by them are not mere words but the wisdom towards a prosperous and fulfilling life.
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