Beyond Textbooks: An Overview of The Real Challenges Holding Balochistan’s Education System Back

Balochistan, a land of vibrant culture and colorful art, is the largest yet least populated province of Pakistan. Amidst the vast expanse of timeless dunes and endless sandy plains lies a neglected community of resilient people, a community drastically disconnected from the modern Punjab that lies at its border.

While people are faced with numerous challenges when it comes to quality of life, the lack of quality education has a profound impact that must be addressed. Despite efforts at various levels, the education system in Balochistan struggles with inadequate infrastructure, a shortage of qualified teachers, and socio-economic barriers that impede access to quality education. These challenges are further exacerbated by gender disparities and corrupt policy makers that further hinder any progress. Welcome to our latest series, where we delve into the many factors affecting the educational landscape of Balochistan, exploring the root causes and proposing potential solutions to bridge the educational divide across our country.

Causes: An Overview

Lack of Infrastructure and Resources:

Many schools in Balochistan lack basic infrastructure, such as proper classrooms, laboratories, and libraries. Basic amenities such as toilets, electricity and water are often also unavailable. There is a severe shortage of scientific equipment and teaching materials necessary for effective STEM education. Students in these communities have to walk long, often treacherous routes to attend school, facing harsh conditions and difficult weather on a daily basis.

Official figures show that around 0.8 million children are not in school, with nearly 2,000 schools lacking adequate infrastructure. The 2022 floods worsened matters, destroying over 5,500 schools, out of which only 50 have been rebuilt as of April 2024.

Teacher Shortage and Training:

There is a significant shortage of qualified teachers in the region. Existing teachers often lack proper training in modern teaching methods and the latest developments in STEM fields. Because of the inadequate attention students receive, more students dropout of school, leading to lower literacy rates.

According to an article by the Tribune Express, half of the primary schools in Balochistan have only one teacher, with about 300 teachers retiring monthly.

Limited Access to Education:

Many students, especially girls, face barriers to accessing education due to cultural and socio-economic factors. There are fewer female role models and mentors in STEM fields, which further discourage the female population from pursuing these subjects. Remote and rural areas have fewer schools, making it difficult for children to attend regularly.

UNICEF Pakistan's report indicates that only 27% of women attend school in Balochistan.

Sarwat Batool visits a school in Balochistan. Credit: World Bank/Sarwat Batool

Curriculum & Language Barrier:

The curriculum is often outdated and does not reflect current scientific knowledge or industry needs. Teaching methods are generally rote-based, focusing on memorization rather than critical thinking and problem-solving skills. STEM subjects are often taught in English, which can be a barrier for students whose primary language is not English. There is a lack of educational materials in local languages.

Economic Constraints:

Poverty is widespread in Balochistan, making it difficult for families to afford educational expenses. Students often have to work to support their families, which can limit their time and ability to attend school. According to an article by the Express Tribune,

“Over three million children are not enrolled at schools in Balochistan.”

Government and Policy Issues:

There is insufficient funding allocated to education, particularly for STEM fields.

Inefficiencies and corruption within the education system can impede the implementation of effective policies.

In a recent meeting with the Educational Department concerning the educational crisis of Balochistan, Education Secretary Saleh Mohammad Naseer told the meeting that there were over 80,000 government teachers, more than 7,000 single-room schools and around 3,300 non-functional schools in Balochistan.

Conclusion - An Eye-Opener to Inspire Action

The spirit of the people of Balochistan is as unyielding as the land they call home, but it is about time the neglect comes to a halt. Addressing these issues requires concerted efforts from the government, NGOs, and the private sector to improve infrastructure, train teachers, update curricula, and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for STEM education in Balochistan.

The time for change is now!

Sources:

https://tribune.com.pk/letter/2255676/education-crisis-in-balochistan-1

https://www.dawn.com/news/1823805#:~:text=Education%20Secretary%20Saleh%20Mohammad%20Naseer,non%2Dfunctional%20schools%20in%20Balochistan.

https://tribune.com.pk/letter/2255753/shortage-of-teachers

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2474696/3m-children-out-of-school-in-balochistan#:~:text=Over%20three%20million%20children%20are,children%20to%20the%20educational%20institutes.