Two innocent children left school this year because they found it difficult to understand and retain information in English medium schools. Who is to blame? This article exposes discrimination, an inconsistent teaching order, inequality perpetuation, financial burdens, teachers’ difficulties, and the urgent need for transformation in our corrupt education system. Let’s unite for an inclusive education system.
Introduction
Education, a fundamental pillar of society, holds the key to a better future. It empowers individuals, opens doors to opportunities, and contributes to the progress of a nation. However, in Pakistan, the education system is plagued by a deep-rooted problem: corruption. This corruption manifests itself in various forms, with one of the most concerning aspects being the discrimination faced by children due to language proficiency. According to a UNICEF report, approximately 22.8 million children between the ages of 5 and 16 are already out of school. The use of English as the medium of education is one of the significant barriers contributing to this high number. On the other hand, in every developed country, the native language is commonly used as the medium of education. This article delves into the dark realities of corruption in education, particularly regarding language barriers, and highlights the urgent need for transformative change.
Discrimination Based on Language Proficiency
Recently, the heartwrenching case of two children being forced to leave school due to their inability to comprehend and retain information in English medium schools has come to light. One of these children was a Hafiz-e-Quran, a remarkable accomplishment that requires immense dedication and commitment. The other child aspired to become an engineer, driven by passion and ambition. Despite their capabilities and potential, both found themselves inadequate for an education system conducted primarily in English.
Who should be held responsible for such a grave injustice? Is it not a form of corruption to deny capable children their right to education simply because they struggle with the language of instruction? Education means empowering individuals and providing them with equal opportunities to flourish, regardless of their language abilities. By depriving these children of the education they deserve, we perpetuate a system that discriminates based on language proficiency, hindering their growth and prospects.
Inconsistent Teaching Order
Moreover, the issue of language medium in education extends beyond just the English language. In many cases, the teaching order and sequence of chapters in textbooks are inconsistent. Each textbook comprises three to five lessons, with no specific order or logical progression. This lack of structure and coherence in the curriculum poses a significant challenge for students. Imagine having to learn one lesson today and a completely different one the next day without a clear connection or continuity. Such inconsistency hampers a child’s ability to excel in any subject and undermines their overall learning experience.
Inequality Perpetuation
The consequences of this flawed education system are far-reaching. Students who struggle to grasp concepts due to the language medium often perform poorly in exams. Their unsatisfactory results further reinforce the perception of mediocrity, leading them to menial jobs that do not utilize their true potential. This cycle of underachievement perpetuates inequality and denies these individuals the opportunity to pursue their dreams and contribute meaningfully to society.
Parents Suffer Financial Burden
The burden of this corrupt education system is not only borne by the students but also by their parents. In addition to the emotional distress caused by their children’s struggles, parents are compelled to bear the financial burden of purchasing multiple textbooks according to the syllabus requirements. These textbooks often come at exorbitant prices, ranging from 2,500 to 3,000 rupees or even more. Instead of wasting their hard-earned money on surplus books, parents should have the right to invest in their children’s holistic development, providing them with positive extracurricular activities and a supportive learning environment.
Widening Gap between Prosperity and Poverty
The prevailing corruption in our education system is a grave concern. The overemphasis on commercialization and profit-making has overshadowed the fundamental purpose of education: to nurture and uplift the minds of the future generation. By neglecting the educational needs and rights of millions of Pakistani children, we perpetuate a system that widens the gap between prosperity and poverty, perpetuates social injustice, and hampers the progress of our nation.
Challenges for Teachers
A study conducted among school teachers in Karachi, Pakistan highlighted the challenges they face in teaching subjects like Science, Mathematics, Computer, and Social Studies due to their limited proficiency in basic English language skills. These challenges include difficulties in reading, writing, speaking, listening, pronunciation, spelling, grammar, and vocabulary. To assist students, teachers rely on dictionaries, synonyms, examples, and consulting with seniors. They also translate difficult words and subject-related terms into Urdu to aid student comprehension. The study concludes that teachers require training to improve their English language skills, which would ultimately enhance the teaching-learning process in the classroom. By addressing these language barriers, the quality of education can be significantly improved. But why not we should switch to our own language as a medium of education?
We Need Transformation
It is critical to acknowledge the urgent need for transformation. We cannot solely rely on the rulers or wait for righteous leaders to bring about this change. As responsible citizens, we should demand an inclusive and equitable education system that ensures no child is left behind due to language barriers or institutional corruption. We need a reformer, an advocate for these innocent children, who can champion their cause and transform the education system to serve their best interests.
Concluding Attributes
- Language plays a crucial role in education, but when it becomes a barrier, it hampers children’s development.
- Two cases highlight the injustice of forcing children out of school due to their inability to comprehend English.
- Denying capable children education based on language proficiency is a form of corruption and discrimination.
- Inconsistent teaching order and lack of coherence in the curriculum pose challenges for students.
- Students struggling with the language medium often perform poorly in exams, perpetuating inequality.
- Parents bear emotional distress and financial burden due to this corrupt education system.
- Commercialization has surpassed the purpose of education, perpetuating social injustice.
- Change is needed to advocate children’s right to education and demand an inclusive education system.
- Citizens must unite and raise their voices for an equitable education system.
- Equal opportunities for learning and growth regardless of language are essential for empowering future generations.
Let’s join forces and come together to drive a transformation in our education system. By doing so, we can establish an inclusive environment where every child, regardless of language, has an equal chance to learn and thrive. This collective effort will genuinely empower future generations and lay the foundation for a prosperous and harmonious society.
FAQs
1. Q: What is the impact of language barriers on education in Pakistan?
A: Language barriers in education hinder children’s development and potential, perpetuating discrimination and corruption within the system.
2. Q: Why is an inclusive education system important?
A: An inclusive education system ensures that no child is left behind, providing equal opportunities for learning and growth.
3. Q: How does inconsistent teaching order affect students’ learning experience?
A: Inconsistent teaching order disrupts the logical progression of lessons, hindering students’ understanding and academic performance.
4. Q: What are the financial burdens faced by parents in the corrupt education system?
A: Parents have to bear the cost of purchasing multiple textbooks, which can be expensive and impede their children’s holistic development.
5. Q: How does corruption in education perpetuate social injustice?
A: Corruption in education widens the gap between prosperity and poverty, reinforcing inequality and hindering societal progress.
*Note: The anecdote mentioned in the article is not fictional but is mentioned to highlight the issues surrounding the language medium in education.
