Shelterless schools in Balochistan and CM Bizenjo
Editorial :
Chief Minister Balochistan, Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo’s announcement about the construction of buildings for shelterless schools appears to be a positive stride. As per the statistics of the education department, the number of shelterless schools across the province is more than 2,000. However, independent sources put the number much higher than what is being quoted by the department.
The CM needs to translate his words into action in terms of the construction of buildings and boundary walls for the government-run schools. Although, the construction of buildings has not been reflected in the public sector development program (PSDP) for the current financial year. However, the government can evolve a strategy and mechanism to include all shelterless schools in the forthcoming budget.
UNICEF, EU should go beyond inaugural sessions
Mr. Bizenjo made this announcement while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the Balochistan Education Support Program (BESP). Representatives of the European Union and UNICEF were also in attendance. As far as UNICEF and EU are concerned, they have to go beyond inaugural sessions and take steps for the promotion of the education sector.
Yes, first it is the responsibility of the government of Balochistan to make sure provision of education to every kid entitled under article 25-A of the Constitution. But UNICEF and EU should not be confined to a private hotel or their heavily-guarded offices. It has almost become a tradition that once in a year these organizations hold such seminars.
8,188 schools have no toilet facility
According to the statistics of the education department, 8,188 schools have no toilet facility. This is a matter of serious concern. The number of government-run primaries, middle and high schools across Balochistan is more than 15,000. Statistics show that 11,775 schools have no facility for drinking water and nearly 8,000 schools have no boundary walls.
It is good to see representatives from the UNICEF and EU discussing education in Quetta. But still, a lot needs to be done. Their attractive signboards and banners should match their performance on the ground.
As far as the government is concerned, it must announce an emergency to make sure the enrollment of more than 1 million children in schools and improve the state of facilities in schools.
