Low cost private schools in deplorable condition
Islamabad - The School Assessment for School Improvement (SASI) programme, an initiative of Idara-e-Taleem-o-Aagahi, launched its report of assessment findings of about 130 schools in the country. The report reveals various things that hampered the growth and development of the non-elitist schools in the country and have resulted lower standard of education.
The study found majority of schools across each level of education profit schools. And, majority of them were registered schools but under sole proprietorship. About 71 per cent were registered under sole proprietorship and 21 per cent under societies act.
Majority of the low cost private schools (LCPS), 64 to 71 per cent, are rented schools. List of schools facilities that have been mentioned as important by school administration show that the highest facility requirement is that of classrooms as 35 percent schools mentioned that they need classrooms as additional facilities, followed by computer laboratory (33 per cent), playground (30 per cent), science lab and drinking water (28 percent each) and staff room (25 per cent). Office rooms turned out to be the least likely required facilities amongst the surveyed schools (18 per cent). Most of the surveyed schools fall in the fee bracket of Rs 500 to 1000. And, only 4 per cent of primary and 5 per cent of the middle surveyed schools fall in the fee bracket of Rs.100 to 2000. The result show that 27 percent of the schools list more number of classrooms and improved basic facilities as their top priority for improving overall facilities of the school. The least top priority of the schools turned out to be increased number of teachers as only 9 percent schools wanted it on priority. The SASI program, which is designed to help low-cost private schools by enabling them to invest in improving the quality of education, also facilitated the engagement between low cost private schools and the many organisations that would like to work with them in one easily accessible location.
The launch was a gathering of a select group of best minds in the market. It was aimed at seeking guidance from the rich and diversified experience of key stakeholders from various sectors and professions. Speaking at the launch, Haroona Jatoi, a renowned educationist and educational advisor, ministry of federal education & professional training, appreciated the ITA efforts for improving the quality of education in low-cost private schools and ensured ministry support in promoting the culture of educational change in low cost private schools.
Afzal Babar, president private school network, while giving a reaffirming nod to the of SASI’s efforts for developing private school said that that our association has been doing its bit and it will keep doing its bit to help LCPS in improving their standards of education, but the organisations such as Idara-I Taleeem- o - Aagahi should help us in achieving the goal of quality education. While speaking about the importance of study, he said that the ideas and suggestions shared at the report will enable them to monitor the progress on the development of low-cost schools and devise a strategy that best suits to maximise the learning abilities of the students of low-cost schools.