Pakistan is not only facing an economic crisis but also an education emergency. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has declared an education emergency in the country, acknowledging that Pakistan has the highest number of out-of-school children in the world [cce4b309]. A national conference was held in Islamabad to address this issue, but no clear roadmap was presented on how the government intends to achieve universal schooling [cce4b309]. The ASER 2023 report highlighted that schools in Pakistan have failed to provide quality education, leading to poor learning outcomes [cce4b309].
To tackle this education emergency, the government needs to allocate more financial resources to education and adopt a gender-transformative approach to education planning and sector plans [cce4b309]. Investing in teachers' training, recruiting based on merit, and building science capital are crucial steps to address learning poverty [cce4b309]. Additionally, the process of educational reforms should be decentralized, empowering schools and communities to devise solutions that align with their unique contexts [cce4b309].
Provincial Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has stated that promoting quality education is the vision of Chief Minister of Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif. Steps are being taken to provide high-quality education facilities and an excellent learning environment for students [0ef42db2]. The youth are being educated and trained in the right direction. Literacy skills are being provided to students in government schools. Schools will be provided with monitoring, teacher training programs, and courses on matriculation in technology and internet technology. School management councils will play a role in promoting education and providing facilities [0ef42db2]. Learning camps have been established in Bahawalpur district to provide educational facilities to children who are not enrolled in schools or are academically weak. The education department officials should visit the learning camps to monitor the facilities [0ef42db2]. The Foundational Literacy Camps, funded by the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and supported by UNICEF, have been launched in 12 districts of the province. In Bahawalpur district, 448 literacy camps have been established in 224 government schools to educate children who have not enrolled in school and slow learners. The camps provide a friendly learning environment, teaching children to read, write, and learn mathematics. The program includes art and craft activities, free books, free stationery, sports facilities, and engaging activities for enrolled students. The camp will last for eight weeks [0ef42db2].
Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury of Bangladesh has called upon the vice-chancellors of universities to take effective initiatives to increase the employability of students of the country's higher education institutions [f4b3d149]. He emphasized the need for universities to directly connect students with the economy and social system of the country, providing them with skills useful for the workplace. He advised newly established public universities to start educational programs by affiliating government colleges of the district and develop necessary educational infrastructure. He also suggested diversifying the curriculum, creating academic master plans, sharing lab and infrastructure facilities, and introducing its own ranking system. The education minister highlighted the importance of basic digital literacy, soft skills, language, and communication skills through career centers. UGC Chairman Professor Dr. Muhammad Alamgir emphasized the importance of implementing the Annual Performance Agreement (APA) for quality education, research, innovation, and building bridges with industrial institutions and foreign educational and research institutions [f4b3d149].
This education emergency comes at a time when Pakistan is already grappling with an economic crisis. The country is facing political polarization, security challenges from militancy, and a deepening economic crisis that is pushing more people below the poverty line [cce4b309]. The government must prioritize education amidst these challenges and ensure that every Pakistani child has access to quality education and a chance at a better future [cce4b309].
In Iraq, the education system is also in need of revitalization. Dr. Honar Issa, the Secretary of the Board of Trustees at the American University of Kurdistan, highlights the challenges and potential solutions for Iraq's educational system [079ae5d6]. The article discusses the historical and contemporary issues faced by Iraq's educational infrastructure, including the impact of wars, sanctions, violence, and political instability. It emphasizes the urgent need for reform and strategic investment. The Kurdistan Regional Government's Vision 2030 is mentioned as a proactive step to address these issues, with a focus on enhancing and adapting education to support economic diversification. The establishment of the Kurdistan Accrediting Association for Education (KAAE) is highlighted as a key element of this vision, aimed at bridging the educational gap and promoting best practices. The article suggests that strategic investment in Iraq's education system, with the support of international expertise, can have a transformative impact. It mentions the United States' framework agreement with Iraq that identifies education as a cornerstone of bilateral relations and suggests directing resources toward educational initiatives. The article also discusses the role models and global lessons that countries like Singapore and South Korea offer in driving national development through education. It emphasizes that investing in education is not just about economic growth but also a crucial element of peacebuilding, fostering understanding, tolerance, and critical thinking. The United States and the international community are encouraged to seize the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to a stable and prosperous Iraq by supporting educational reform [079ae5d6].