PRIMARY school teachers play a key role in shaping the foundation of a child’s education. However, despite their critical importance, primary teachers often face various challenges, like insufficient fund-ing for pursuing higher studies.

Over the last two decades, the Sindh government has been collaborating with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and international agencies to implement several reforms in the education sector, including teacher training programmes. However, a report, ‘Education: The state of schooling in Pakistan’ (Sept 15), shows that the students of Sindh are not good in communication skills, and the overall education level is not satisfactory. Indeed, they are on scale above Balochistan, but below the other provinces.

Instead of a few days of training to add-ress the unique challenges presented in rural settings, primary school teachers are willing to get admission in postgraduate programmes, but are unable to do that due to inflation and lack of funding.

The government should pay attention to the genuine demand of primary school teachers, and facilitate them in this regard.

No doubt, higher studies can enhance their teaching effectiveness, improve student outcomes, resolve all daunting challenges, and contribute to the overall development of all rural communities.

Ayaz Ahmed
Tando Allahyar

Published in Dawn, October 29th, 2024