Definition of Education Education is the process of gaining knowledge, skills, values, and understanding to improve thinking and decision-making. It helps people grow, solve problems, and contribute to society. ‘Types of Education 1. Formal Education + Learning in organized institutions like schools, colleges, or universities. + Follows a structured curriculum and leads to certificates or degrees. + Example: A student studying math and science in a school 2. Informal Education + Learning through daily experiences, without a fixed structure. + Happens outside schools, like at home or in the community. + Example: A child learning to cook by watching their parents. 3. Non-Formal Education + Organized learning outside the traditional school system. + Focuses on specific skills or knowledge, often for adults or out-of-school learners. + Example: A farmer attending a workshop to learn modern farming techniques. Education can happen anywhere and in different ways, helping people develop and succeed in life. Right to Education Article 25-A of Pakistan's Constitution ensures free and compulsory education for all children. Afier the 18th Amendment in April 2010, provinces were tasked with implementing this law. Despite international commitments, progress has been slow, and 22.8 million children remain out of school. Out-of-School Children + Pakistan has the second-highest number of out-of-school children globally (after Nigeria). According to (UNESCO) . + Age 5-9 years: 5 million children are out of school. + Age 10-14 years: 11.4 million adolescents are not in school. + Gender and region disparities: = In Sindh, 52% of poor children (58% girls) are not in school. = In Balochistan, 78% of girls are out of school. Literacy and Enrollment = Overall literacy rate: 62.3%. + Gross enrollment in primary schools increased to 95.4% in 2019 Compared to 94.3% in 2018.Education System 1. Primary and Secondary Education © There are 146,185 formal primary schools, 42,147 middle secondary schools and 29 874 are Secondary Schools in country. - Public sector schools make up 75%, while 10% are private schools. - Enrollment: + Primary level: 10.7 million boys, 8.6 million girls + Middle schools: 6 million students (57% boys, 43% girls). + Lower secondary: 3.6 million boys, 2.8 million girls. + Secondary schools: 2.8 million students (38% boys, 42% girls). 2.Non-Formal Basic Education (NFBE) - NFBE schools serve 2.5 million children. - Basie Education Community Schools (BECS): 13,000 schools with 0.6 million students. 3. Private Sector Contribution - 4.8 millions students in which 34% of primary school children are in private schools age 5-6 years, 34% of them in boys and 33% of them in girls. 4.Religious Education (Deeni Madaris) « According to NEMIS ( National Education Management Information System) there are Total 13,240 madaris with 1.79 million students (1.1 million boys, 0.66 million girls), National Education Policies "National Education Policy (1998-2010) “National Education Policy (2009) +Education Sector Reforms (2001-06) “National Plan of Action for EFA (2001-15) “Provincial Education Sector Plans “National Education Policy (2017) “National Plan of Action for Accelerating Education-Related MDGs (2013-16) Key Education Challenges in Pakistan 1. Lack of Access and Infrastructure Many children cannot access schools due to poor infrastructure. + 16% of children walk to school, causing dropout rates (13% for girls, 5% for boys). + Many government schools lack basic faciliti ~ 49% have no electricity. + 64% lack clean drinking water. = 58% have no proper toilets. « 55% have poor buildings. «65% lack boundary walls. 2. Poor Quality of Education The education quality is low because of: + Teacher Shortages: One teacher for every 37 students in public schools. + Outdated Curriculum: Fails to meet modern needs. + Private Schools: 40% of students attend private schools, which often provide better education.3. Budgetary Constraints + In 2016, $7.5 billion (2.7% of GDP) was allocated for education. The international standard is at least 4% of GDP some countries have increased it as 6%. Education spending is low compared to other South Asian countries. Parents spend $8 billion on private education, doubling the actual total to $15 billion (4% of GDP). 4, Misspending and Corruption = 70-80% of the budget is spent on teacher salaries. «Issues like teacher absenteeism and ghost teachers are common: = 20% absenteeism in Punjab. = 30% absenteeism in KP. + Some reforms, like digital attendance systems, are being introduced but not fully implemented. External Factors Affecting Education in Pakistan 1. Poverty + 39% of parents send their children to government schools because they cannot afford private school fees. + 17% of girls and 15% of boys drop out of school due to high costs. 2. Security Concerns Terrorism, floods, and earthquakes have destroyed over 3,400 schools in Khyber- Pakhtunkhwa (K-P). Between 2007 and 2015, 867 attacks on schools led to 392 deaths and 724 injuries. According to Ministry of States and Frontier Region,(SAFRON) in Federally Administrated Tribal Area (FATA), 360 schools were destroyed in 2015 3. Differences in Schooling Systems « Pakistan has three main types of schools: « Public Schools: Teach mainly in Urdu or local languages. Many teachers struggle to teach English. « Private Schools: Use English as the main language, with better management and learning outcomes. < Madrassahs: Follow religious curricula. + Private school students perform better due to better resources and leadership. 4. Higher Education and Skills Training + Pakistan ranks 125th out of 140 countries on the Global Competitiveness Index (2018).+ There is a shortage of job-specific skills in growing industries. + Governments need a strong plan to improve education and focus on disadvantaged groups like minorities, girls, and children with disabilities Ways to Improve Education 1. National Cohesion + Federal and provincial governments should work together to ensure consistent and high-quality education. + The Inter-Provincial Education Ministers Committee (IPEMC) will set shared education standards to promote unity across the country. 2. Effective Use of Information Reliable and updated data is essential for making good decisions. The National Education Management Information System (NEMIS) should use advanced technology to improve data management and guide education policies effectively, 3. Improved Governance and Financial Efficiency + Skilled and capable officers should be chosen to implement education reforms. + Education ministries and departments should be streamlined to ensure they work efficiently and achieve results. 4. Innovative Use of Technology + Information and communication technology (ICT) can improve teaching and learning outcomes. + ICT can: - Help train teachers and expand their knowledge. » Prepare students for a technology-driven workforce. > Provide education to remote areas through online resources. 5, Active Communication Campaigns A national campaign is needed to promote quality education and ensure strong commitment to reforms. Policymakers must focus on improving teaching quality and holding teachers accountable. The Ministry will work with Education Champions to: . Raise awareness about the importance of education. - Encourage communities, especially in rural areas, to support their children’s education. = Build political and public support for challenging reforms. These steps aim to improve the education system and ensure better outcomes for all students in Pakistan.