SCHOOLS on their own often decide to change the uniform even if a change of shade and the positioning of the school emblem. This change doubles the cost of the uniform, and it has to be purchased by everyone across the board, and purchased only from the designated uniform outlet. Non-compliance means students cannot attend classes. Parents in low-income areas with several children in school are hard-pressed to comply with this change.

While wearing school uniform is ess-ential to remove disparity in wealth and appearance, a fancy or expensive uniform does not improve education. Such unwa-rranted, cosmetic action could only pull more children out of school. School uniforms should be kept simple, affordable, functional and available anywhere in the open market.

Given the high number of children out of school currently, the government should intervene and ask the schools to focus on improving education, not on appearances.

N. Salahuddin
Karachi

Published in Dawn, October 24th, 2024