IT is always encouraging to see the huge pool of resourceful and talented young people that we have in our educational establishments. Having been associated with the field of education for over a decade and a half, this writer has gained immensely from the experience of teaching a large number of students from nearly all walks of life. One of the biggest advantages of this profession is that those who practise it remain young in mind and heart, simply because they are constantly in touch with the younger generations.

As mentioned, Pakistan boasts a huge reserve of young and talented people with immense potential; unfortunately, the country lacks the resources to allow them to exploit their potential to the fullest. As a result, young, bright and ambitious individuals who manage to secure employment abroad are leaving the country for greener pastures. A massive brain drain is in progress, with hordes of young people shifting abroad in search of better standards of living and a brighter future for their children.

What can educationists do to retain this vast reserve of human resources and help it realise its maximum potential? The first thing is to be honest with the profession, which is becoming increasingly challenging keeping in mind the rapidly changing environment of educational establishments and the increasing commercialisation of academia. However, there are still a large number of educationists that this writer has encountered during her professional journey who are doing their best to do justice to their profession. That means inculcating a sense of responsibility in their students and nurturing and cultivating them, spotting their potential, and fostering an environment for them in which they can realise their hidden skills and abilities.

While it is widely acknowledged that teachers are overworked, underpaid and have minimal job security, there is still a huge contribution that they can make, even with their authority curtailed by institutions seeking to win over more ‘clients’. By and large, it still remains an extremely respectable profession, especially for females, and most women prefer being associated with academia due to its relatively shorter working hours and other perks, such as concessions on school fees.

A nation which aims to make teachers’ lives easier prospers and develops.

With a massive increase in population and millions of children out of school, education will remain in demand as the country equips its future generations with the skills and abilities they need to excel and carve out a niche for themselves in the world. With the vast reserves of the young people we have, bright and competent educationists who can use their skills and competencies to groom the generations of tomorrow are direly needed. For that, training needs to be provided and incentives given to encourage more highly educated individuals to join this profession.

Another depressing reality is that individuals from privileged backgrounds do not join this profession. Nearly all of us are here by accident, and very few out of choice. This is especially true for men associated with this profession, who mostly belong to low-income backgrounds and are teaching because they were unable to pursue a profession in a more promising field. Most of them are making just enough spending their days teaching in schools, and their evenings in tuition centres. With the crippling stagflation, the majority is burning the midnight oil but remains unable to make ends meet. As es-sentials become more and more dear, the true ethos of educat­ion is being compromi­sed, like everything else in this country.

Because teachers shape the future of a nation, the government should make a concerted effort to facilitate them by providing tax exemptions and subsidies on basic expenses. A nation which respects its teachers and aims to make their lives easier prospers, grows and develops. It encourages students to respect and value those who are devoting their lives to enable them to make something of theirs.

Let’s continue to keep the flame burning. Those in the profession should keep fighting for their rights. We can do our bit by practising professional honesty to preserve the sanctity and respectability of this occupation, in the hope that it will have a spill-over effect and, in time, the government will start offering incentives to the unsung heroes and heroines of this country who may not be fighting on the borders, but are still waging important battles daily (sometimes at their own expense) to ensure a bright future for our coming generations.

The writer is an educationist.

gaiteeara@hotmail.com

Published in Dawn, July 29th, 2024