Education is the cornerstone of a nation's development, yet Pakistan's education system faces numerous challenges that hinder its progress. The obstacles are significant, from the lack of resources and qualified teachers to outdated curricula. Pakistan's education crisis is marked by high dropout rates and 26.2 million out-of-school children, which demand urgent solutions. Accelerated Learning Programs (ALP) offer a promising approach by providing condensed, relevant curricula for over-aged and disadvantaged students. These programs aim to bridge educational gaps and foster inclusion, representing a crucial step toward addressing the country's pressing educational challenges and improving access and quality in the sector. Many international partners are assisting the government in bridging the resource gap, including JICA's flagship education program AQAL, which has been running in Pakistan for many years. This program has significantly boosted the education sector, particularly for children who have dropped out of school or have never attended.
Muhammad Bilal Aziz, Program Specialist Youth & Adult Literacy - JICA and Ms Saima Mushtaq, Teacher of OOSC- Naughazi High School, joined the second episode of the third season of the podcast 'Let's Talk Education' -in collaboration with Bolo Jawan for a candid discussion, hosted by Ms. Areebah Shahid Executive Director, Pakistan Youth Change Advocates (PYCA).
Setting the stage for the discussion, Ms Areebah Shahid emphasized the ongoing education emergency in Pakistan, which stems from insufficient government investment in the education sector. With Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif declaring a four-year emergency to address the crisis of 26.2 million out-of-school children, the urgency of the situation is clear. Pakistan's leading position in global out-of-school statistics underscores the critical need for effective, scalable interventions to address this educational crisis. She stated:
'Compared to other nations in South Asia, Pakistan's public investment in education is terrifyingly low, placing us at the bottom of the list.'
Ms. Areebah Shahid - Executive Director, Pakistan Youth Change Advocates (PYCA)
Many children in Pakistan, having missed critical school years, are entering the education system for the first time at ages as old as 8 or 9. With 39% of school-age children out of school, which translates to approximately 10.77 million at the primary level, accelerated learning programs are vital to addressing this issue. International partners are playing a crucial role in bridging resource gaps. Mr. Bilal discussed JICA's program and its impact, highlighting how it has provided significant support to the education sector. The program is particularly beneficial for children who have dropped out or never attended school due to challenges like child labor and exploitation, offering them a vital second chance at education.
The national survival rate to Grade 5 is just 67%. Additionally, the youth bulge in Pakistan, particularly those aged 16 to 24, faces low literacy rates, with around 40% of the population over 24 being illiterate, and lacking basic reading, writing, and numerical skills.
Despite various interventions, the JICA program, Advancing Quality Alternative Learning (AQAL), stands out. It has addressed the issues of relevance, retention, and continuity in education for over-aged and disadvantaged children. The program supports the establishment of community-based non-formal education schools and focuses on providing a relevant and condensed curriculum that meets the needs of these students. Mr. Bilal emphasized that:
'There is a need for an education system that is relevant and accessible to all children, regardless of their age or background.'
Mr. Muhammad Bilal Aziz, Program Specialist Youth & Adult Literacy - JICA
JICA's AQAL program has been a beacon of hope for children who have dropped out or never attended school, revitalizing Pakistan's education sector by offering tailored curricula, accelerated learning programs, and technical vocational education. The impact is evident through the distribution of textbooks and educational resources.
To ensure continuity, JICA introduced the Middle Tech program, which combines accelerated learning with technical vocational training. This initiative helps students gain certification and pursue better opportunities. For youth and adults, technological solutions are used to rapidly enhance literacy and improve livelihoods.
JICA is piloting new accelerated secondary education programs with Packages D and E, targeting grades 6 to 8 over 18 months. These initiatives incorporate technical vocational training in various skills. By year-end, JICA plans to extend these programs to include secondary education and diploma qualifications. To support sustainability, the National Book Foundation now prints ALP primary books in bulk at reduced costs, making textbooks more affordable. Collaborating with the National Book Foundation, JICA is distributing low-cost educational materials to make education more accessible and affordable.
JICA's comprehensive model and support system, introduced four years ago, have significantly increased enrollment and provided children with educational opportunities and necessary support. The program has not only improved enrollment rates but also enhanced students' confidence and learning outcomes.
Ms. Saima Mushtaq's firsthand experience in teaching accelerated learning programs adds a personal dimension to the discussion. Over the past few years, she has witnessed significant transformations in her students, who initially struggled with basic literacy but have shown impressive progress. Having taught for the past 3-4 years, Ms. Saima has faced various challenges, including working with children from families severely affected by poverty. Many of these families struggle to provide basic necessities, with some parents lacking stable housing and others unable to complete essential documentation like B-forms and IDs due to financial constraints. Additionally, some families receive minimal aid but remain excluded from the educational system. She stated:
'When we started, convincing parents was tough. Today, they bring their children willingly, seeing the tangible benefits of education.'
Ms. Saima Mushtaq, Teacher of OOSC- Naughazi High School
Ms. Saima's perspective on ground-level challenges and solutions is invaluable. Pakistan has a total of 313,418 public and private schools, encompassing 227,506 formal schools ranging from primary to high secondary levels. She stresses the pressing need for additional schools in remote villages and urges the government to establish basic educational facilities in every village. Her call for better stationery and separate teachers for each grade underscores the need for a more structured and resource-rich educational system. Emphasizing the inadequacy of relying solely on government efforts, Ms. Saima highlights the importance of community-level initiatives to enrol children in small, community-based schools. These initiatives are crucial for meeting the educational needs of underserved areas across the country. She stated:
'If the government cannot provide schools, we should empower communities to set up small schools with basic resources, 'Pakistan's education emergency requires a collective effort.'
Ms. Saima Mushtaq, Teacher of OOSC- Naughazi High School
Mr. Bilal added that international support is significant, but the primary responsibility lies with the Pakistani government and society. While the government provides some support for community schools, it often falls short of reaching all children and ensuring their retention and quality of education.
Many community schools face challenges, including a lack of qualified teachers and resources. Given Pakistan's economic constraints and the enormity of the issue, relying solely on government funding is impractical. Development partners also face limitations. Therefore, local collaboration is essential. Engaging community-based models, leveraging local organizations, and utilizing technology can help address these challenges effectively.
Converting existing schools to a second shift, involving local philanthropists and organizations, and using technology to reduce costs can make a significant impact. Technology, such as smart screens and AI for assessments, offers a cost-effective way to enhance education quality and accessibility. Collaborative efforts at the grassroots level, combined with technological innovations, can provide sustainable solutions to these pressing educational challenges. Bilal asserts:
'We need a collaborative approach, involving civil society, NGOs, philanthropists, and every citizen who can contribute to this cause'.
Mr. Muhammad Bilal Aziz, Program Specialist Youth & Adult Literacy - JICA
We must all come together, work hand-in-hand, and ensure that no child is left behind. Only then can we hope to address the challenges of out-of-school children and pave the way for a brighter future for Pakistan. The fight against educational disparity in Pakistan is a shared responsibility. It's time for all of us to unite our efforts and resources to transform the educational landscape for millions of children across the country.
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