The importance of education for any economic framework is implied in itself; however each nation faces its own challenges in achieving a better quality educational system, inclusion of all social classes into it and the best method to enhance literacy rates. A government’s concern for education should not be limited to the extent of building the required infrastructure, having plausible enrollment rates and then being aloof to maintenance of quality standards and an environment that is conducive for learning.
I would not be the first one to say that Pakistan, celebrating 64 years of independence this month, is plagued with major obstacles in accomplishing an educational system that is all-encompassing in terms of physical presence and sustained quality. According to the Economic Survey of Pakistan 2010-2011, 60 per cent of government schools in Pakistan are deprived of electricity. The number of these schools turns out to be 23,685. Similarly, 33.6 per cent of schools lack drinking water facilities With immense power shortage the country is facing currently, one can well imagine why this would be so, but how could a school be functional without such basic facilities? This is where the role of the state to ensure a fruitful learning environment comes in.
Another major issue is lack of competition amongst salaries of teachers in the government and private sector, which results in well-qualified teachers offering their services to students in private schools. Private education, although of good quality, is too expensive to accommodate all social strata. An appreciable fact is that many NGOs are working to provide high quality education to those who study in government schools or can’t afford education at all. However, being the sixth largest country in terms of population with prospects of moving to being fifth, sincere efforts on a much larger scale need to materialise on part of the government. Public-private partnership in the field of education could be a plausible answer for Pakistan to create a well-developed system. Expertise and knowledge flowing in from the private sector could be matched with government sector funding and help in designing a framework that ensures quality and access throughout the country.
When talking about the education model implemented by the Asian Tigers, it involves large government spending in the mentioned field. It incorporates heavily subsidising primary and secondary education while leaving higher education in hands of the private sector. Such policies ensure high enrollment rates at elementary levels and also minimise social costs. The Economic Survey also talks about how enrollment in primary education has enhanced to 18.75 million, in middle education to 5.5 million and in secondary education to 2.58 million. A major haunting flaw is that one often fails to consider drop out rates while discussing how enrollment has risen. High drop out rates are a major hindrance in ensuring widespread access to education. Taking into account the fact that many children drop out of school, owing to the family’s financial burden or the opportunity cost of not being able to work and support the family, is essential for higher literacy rates.
China, the world’s most populous country, Pakistan’s only genuine friend and an emerging global power, has an adult literacy rate of 94 per cent, with the same for youth (15-24 years) at 99 per cent, according to statistics for 2008. Primary school enrollment stands at 100 per cent.
The country has done wonders in terms of high and sustained GDP growth over the years, its global presence as a major exporter today and its strong manufacturing sector. China’s literacy rates are very impressive, given that even though it stands as the second largest economy of the world today, its per capita income stills counts it in the list of developing countries.
Also, major development in the country has been on the eastern coast with financial centers like Shanghai and Tianjin. Pakistan has time and again benefited from China in the field of engineering, infrastructure and manufacturing, with Chinese experts working for development of the Gwadar port as well. It would not be a bad idea at all for the Pakistani government to collaborate with that of China in the field of education and gain from its remarkable success.
The writer is sub-editor, Profit and can be reached at mashal.amjad@pakistantoday.com.pk