Cracks in the Foundation

Unveiling the Harsh Realities and Government Neglect of Balochistan’s Education System

@THEFRIDAYTIMES/TalalRafeeqRind

Balochistan, the largest province in Pakistan by area, remains an enigma of stark beauty and profound neglect. While its vast landscapes are captivating, the state of its education system tells a story of chronic neglect and infrastructural decay. Despite the province's rich cultural heritage and resource potential, the educational infrastructure in Balochistan is severely lacking, further perpetuating socio-economic inequalities and limiting opportunities for future generations.

The Stark Reality of Educational Infrastructure

One of the most glaring issues plaguing Balochistan's education system is the deplorable state of its infrastructure. Schools across the province often lack basic facilities that are essential for creating a conducive learning environment.

1. Lack of Basic Amenities:

A significant number of schools in Balochistan do not have access to basic amenities such as clean drinking water, electricity, and functional toilets.

 According to a report by the Pakistan Education Statistics 2022-23, approximately 70% of schools in Balochistan do not have electricity, and 40% lack access to drinking water. Moreover, nearly 50% of schools are without proper sanitation facilities, making it extremely challenging for students, particularly girls, to attend regularly.

2. Inadequate and Unsafe Buildings:

Many school buildings in Balochistan are structurally unsound and unsafe for students. The devastating floods of 2022 further exacerbated the situation, destroying over 5,500 schools across the province. As of April 2024, only 50 of these schools have been rebuilt, leaving thousands of children without a proper place to learn.

An official from the Balochistan Education Department revealed that around 2,000 schools still operate without adequate infrastructure, forcing students to study in makeshift classrooms or under open skies.

@QUESTTAVOICE/AsmatKhan

Government Neglect and Policy Failures

The government’s neglect is evident in the lack of substantial policy measures and funding allocated to education in Balochistan. Despite numerous promises and plans, tangible progress remains minimal.

1. Insufficient Funding:

Balochistan's education sector suffers from chronic underfunding. In the fiscal year 2023-24, the provincial government allocated only 14% of its budget to education, significantly lower than the national average of 20%. This inadequate funding is insufficient to address the myriad infrastructural deficiencies and operational challenges faced by schools across the province.

2. Inefficiency and Corruption:

Inefficiencies and corruption within the education department further exacerbate the problem. According to a report by Transparency International, mismanagement and embezzlement of funds allocated for school construction and maintenance are rampant. As a result, even the limited resources that are available often fail to reach the schools in dire need.

3. Policy Implementation Gaps:

Despite various educational policies and programs initiated over the years, the implementation on the ground has been inconsistent and ineffective. The Balochistan Education Sector Plan (BESP) 2020-25 aimed to improve educational outcomes through infrastructure development and capacity building. However, a mid-term review of the plan revealed that many targets remain unmet due to bureaucratic hurdles and lack of political will.

The Human Impact: Voices from the Ground

The impact of this neglect is not just statistical; it deeply affects the lives and futures of Balochistan’s children and their communities. Behind every number is a story of a child deprived of opportunities and a teacher struggling against insurmountable odds.

Zahra’s Story:

Zahra, a 14-year-old student from a rural village, shares her plight:

"Our school building collapsed during the floods. Now we study under a tree, but it is difficult when it rains. We want to learn, but we need a safe place to do so."

Zahra’s story is a poignant reminder of the vulnerability of these children who, despite their eagerness to learn, face daily hardships that most of us cannot imagine. The makeshift classrooms under open skies expose them to harsh weather conditions, affecting their health and concentration.

Nadia’s Struggle:

Nadia, a 12-year-old from another remote area, recounts the daily struggle to get to school.

"I have to walk several kilometers every day through rough terrain to reach my school. There are days when it rains or when the heat is unbearable, but I still go because I want to be educated and help my family one day."

Nadia's determination highlights the resilience of Balochistan’s youth, who continue to strive for education despite the odds stacked against them.

Teachers’ Challenges:

Teachers, too, face immense challenges. A primary school teacher from Quetta laments, "We are expected to teach without basic facilities. How can we provide quality education when we don't even have a proper classroom or enough textbooks?" This teacher's frustration is shared by many educators in the region who are dedicated to their students but lack the resources and support needed to effectively perform their jobs.

A Principal’s Perspective:

A school principal from a small town in Balochistan explains the broader impact:

"The lack of infrastructure and resources not only hampers education but also demoralizes students and teachers. When children see their school in such a state, they feel neglected and undervalued. It is hard to inspire them when the very environment they are in is crumbling."

Community Voices:

The community members also express their concerns. A parent from a rural village shares,

"We want our children to study and have a better future, but the conditions of the schools are discouraging. Many parents are forced to keep their children at home because they fear for their safety."

@UNICEF/PAKISTAN/Fatima Shahryar

Path Forward: Urgent Actions Needed

Addressing the infrastructural deficits and government neglect in Balochistan's education system requires a multi-faceted approach:

1. Increased and Transparent Funding:

The government must significantly increase the education budget and ensure that funds are allocated transparently and efficiently. Special emphasis should be placed on rebuilding schools destroyed by the floods and upgrading existing infrastructure.

1. Community Involvement:

Engaging local communities in school management and development can help ensure that resources are utilized effectively. Community-led initiatives have shown promise in various regions, and similar models could be adapted for Balochistan.

1. Strengthening Accountability:

Implementing robust mechanisms to monitor and evaluate educational projects is crucial. Anti-corruption measures and independent audits can help ensure that allocated funds are used appropriately.

1. Policy Reforms:

Revisiting and reinforcing educational policies to align with the current needs and challenges is essential. The BESP should be reviewed and revised to include realistic and actionable goals, with clear timelines and accountability frameworks.

Conclusion

The state of educational infrastructure in Balochistan is a reflection of decades of neglect and inadequate policy implementation. However, the resilience and determination of its people offer a glimmer of hope. By addressing these challenges through increased funding, community involvement, and stringent accountability measures, we can pave the way for a brighter and more equitable future for Balochistan's children.

The time for action is now, and it is imperative that we collectively work towards transforming the educational landscape of this beautiful yet neglected province.

Bibliography

• Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. "Pakistan Education Statistics 2022-23." [Link to report if available]

• UNICEF Pakistan. "Education Report on Balochistan." [Link to report if available]

• Transparency International Pakistan. "Corruption in Education: A Case Study of Balochistan." [Link to report if available]

• Tribune Express. "Education Crisis in Balochistan." https://tribune.com.pk/letter/2255676/education-crisis-in-balochistan-1

• Tribune Express. "Shortage of Teachers in Balochistan." https://tribune.com.pk/letter/2255753/shortage-of-teachers

• Express Tribune. "Over Three Million Children Out of School in Balochistan." https://tribune.com.pk/story/2474696/3m-children-out-of-school-in-balochistan

• Dawn. "Education Secretary Saleh Mohammad Naseer on Balochistan Schools." https://www.dawn.com/news/1823805