DISPLACED children affected by the military operation in many parts of Fata are at a distinct disadvantage because their schooling may have been disrupted and they might have missed all or part of their primary education. This schooling hiatus could result in a generation deprived of future opportunities, if the gaps in learning are not bridged. Yesterday, this paper highlighted the significance of Fata’s alternative schools as a way of providing education and teaching life skills to children between nine and 16 years. Established by the Fata Education Foundation, this is a commendable attempt at increasing the enrolment of children who have suffered mass displacement. However, political will is integral to education in the tribal belt — a region that has endured the impact of decades of militancy on its education quality and infrastructure. Further, alternative learning opportunities may be a way of drawing unschooled and unskilled youth away from militant recruiters.

Whenever there is talk of mainstreaming Fata, education is sidelined. If ignored in a post-conflict context, the consequences could trigger great local resentment. For now, alternative learning schools will require more than a makeshift classroom in a community centre. As students themselves were quick to point out, they lack study equipment and even basic amenities such as toilets. Teaching methods will also need revamping because some older children whose primary education was disrupted at a young age might not be able to grasp what is being taught and would need extra help; or others might want to learn basic literacy and numeracy skills, as well as some kind of trade or skill. Having witnessed how war destroys communities and livelihoods, this generation, battered and bruised, deserves a chance at learning to fulfil its ambitions. Mindful that the government has little capacity for quality education provision nationwide, the FEF — with plans to educate 24,000 children — would do well to consider a public-private partnership to enhance learning outcomes.

Published in Dawn December 28th, 2016