One of the problems plaguing our educational system is the shortage of qualified and committed teaching staff in government-managed schools and colleges. Pakistan spends less than two percent of the national budget on education. Most of the budgetary allocation for education is eaten away by administrative expenditure, leaving a paltry amount for pay of the teaching staff. This is an alarming situation. Quality of education is being affected adversely due to shortage of teachers in government educational institutions. No doubt, private sector is contributing to the cause of education, but fees charged by private institutions are beyond the capacity of fixed income families. What is the solution?
I think volunteerism can help the situation of shortage of teaching staff in government educational institutions. Most of the government servants who retire at the age of 60 are fit and willing for teaching assignment in educational institutions. Only a limited number of retirees are lucky to get extension in service or jobs in private sector. Some of them are highly qualified for teaching assignments.
Most of the serving officers attend foreign universities for higher education at the expense of the state. However, this training is not properly utilised. An officer after getting degree in economics may spend most of his time in regulatory ministries. However, after retirement their services may be used for education and development of the new generation. Foreign training data is available with the Establishment Division, Economic Affairs Division and concerned departments of provincial governments.
The United Nations has launched a Volunteer Programme for Pakistan. But vacancies of volunteers for education are rarely notified. It is advised that ministry of education and educational institutions may contact UN Pakistan office in this regard. I think UNVP pays maintenance allowance to encourage volunteerism.
ASGHAR MAHMOOD
Islamabad
