The Economist: Pakistan Education Reforms

Government officials in Pakistan, recognizing that education is key to a vibrant economy, are reforming schools relying on private providers including charities. There is more private than public funding for schools in Pakistan. In some districts education administrators that produce poor results are fired. The goal is to reduce dropout rates, improve curricula, increase test scores and accountability among teachers. The Economist reports that only 3 percent of students starting public school make it through 12th grade. Contributing to low enrollment rates: Poverty, corruption and extremism with more than 800 attacks on schools between 2007 and 2015 and attempts to block girls from education. Progress is uneven and much depends on motivated teachers, parents and political leaders. Improving the education system is urgent for the world’s fifth most populous nation with more than 200 million people. “For too long Pakistani children have suffered because politicians have treated schools as political tools,” concludes the Economist. “They deserve much better.” – YaleGlobal