APPSMA declares Education Emergency in Pakistan

The All Pakistan Private School Management Association (APPSMA) has declared an Education Emergency, calling for urgent measures to address the education crisis in Pakistan. With a staggering 26.7 million children out of school in Punjab alone, there is a pressing need for comprehensive planning to ensure the enrollment of these children and improve the quality of education.

Suggestions put forward by APPSMA include the implementation of evening shifts in schools and the introduction of a voucher scheme to facilitate admissions. Despite the private sector currently shouldering 60% of the responsibility for providing free education up to grade ten, challenges such as excessive taxation and bureaucratic control hinder its effectiveness in contributing to education.

APPSMA stresses the significance of public-private partnerships in education and advocates for private school organizations to be consulted in policy-making processes. Concerns have been raised regarding the potential negative consequences of consolidating education boards in Punjab and the necessity of transferring the examination system from divisions to districts.

A Support Program is proposed to assist private schools in addressing issues like inadequate funding and high utility bills, with a call for fair taxation based on student ratios. The private school registration system faces challenges, with a backlog of pending applications awaiting approval in Punjab and Rawalpindi.

In conclusion, the Education Emergency declared by APPSMA sheds light on the critical need for immediate action to improve the education system in Pakistan. Collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors, along with policy reforms and financial support, are essential to ensure that all children have access to quality education.