By Noor Ahmed Soomro
Pakistan faces a profound challenge in ensuring all children have access to education. The issue of out-of-school children remains a pressing concern, with millions deprived of their fundamental right to learn. This situation poses a serious challenge to the government, requiring immediate and sustained efforts to bridge the gap and ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive. According to a UNICEF report, Pakistan has the world’s second-highest number of out-of-school children (OOSC), with an estimated 22.8 million children aged 5-16 not attending school. This figure represents 44 percent of the total population in this age group. Within the 5-9 age group, 5 million children are not enrolled in school, and after primary school age, the number doubles, with 11.4 million adolescents between 10-14 years old not receiving formal education.
Disparities based on gender, socio-economic status, and geography are significant. In Sindh, 52 percent of the poorest children (58 percent girls) are out of school, and in Balochistan, a staggering 78 percent of girls are out of school. These alarming statistics underscore the urgent need for decisive action to address the barriers that keep children from attending school. Factors such as poverty, insufficient infrastructure, lack of schools in remote areas, gender disparities, cultural norms, and tribal clashes contribute to the high number of out-of-school children in the country. Moreover, girls in Pakistan face additional barriers to accessing education, including cultural norms that prioritize boys’ education and limit girls’ opportunities for learning. Gender disparities in education perpetuate social inequalities and hinder the overall development of the country.
Addressing these inequalities and promoting girls’ education is crucial to breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering future generations. A primary factor of concern is poverty. As reported by the World Bank, 39.4 percent of Pakistan’s population, equating to approximately 95 million people, live below the poverty line. Families struggling to meet basic needs cannot afford education expenses such as school fees, uniforms, and books. Many parents expect their children to supplement family income, leading to their involvement in child labor. Approximately 3.3 million children in Pakistan are currently engaged in such activities. In Pakistan, the fundamental right to education for every child is enshrined in the Constitution. Specifically, Article 25-A states: “The State shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of five to sixteen years in such manner as may be determined by law.”
This provision underscores the government’s obligation to ensure that every child in Pakistan has access to education, highlighting its significance as a fundamental right. Despite this, the state has failed to effectively fulfill this obligation, and education does not hold a prominent place in the manifestos of any political party in the country. Furthermore, the lack of adequate infrastructure and quality education facilities in remote and marginalized areas of Pakistan poses a significant challenge. Many children in these areas must travel long distances to reach the nearest school, facing safety concerns and limited transportation options. Improving access to schools, enhancing infrastructure, and providing resources to remote communities are essential steps to address this issue.
To tackle the crisis of out-of-school children in Pakistan, the government must take decisive action and prioritize education as a national priority. Investing in education funding, expanding access to quality schools, implementing policies to address poverty and gender disparities, and improving teacher professional development are crucial steps toward ensuring every child receives a quality education in a safe and secure environment. Partnerships between the government, civil society organizations, communities, and the private sector are also essential in addressing the complex challenges associated with out-of-school children. Collaborative efforts can lead to innovative solutions, increased resources, and enhanced support mechanisms to reach and engage the most marginalized and vulnerable children.
Introducing blended learning education models and leveraging non-formal and distance education systems will be crucial in overcoming the challenge of OOSC in the country. Addressing the crisis of out-of-school children in Pakistan is an urgent task requiring collective action and unwavering commitment from all stakeholders. By investing in education, promoting inclusivity, and addressing systemic barriers that keep children out of school, the government can pave the way for a brighter future for all children in the country. Education is not just a fundamental right but a powerful tool for social transformation and economic development. Every child in Pakistan deserves a chance to learn, grow, and succeed.
(The writer is an education research scholar and can be reached at news@metro-morning.com)
