The objective of the action research was to explore the issues faced by primary schools in the district of Ziarat, Pakistan while also investigating the impact of primary schools on the society along with the facilities that are available to these schools. Meeting and interviews held with government education department and NGOs, focus group discussions and corner meetings along with school survey conducted by LAFAM Action Research Team reveals several inherent weaknesses within the education system such as lack of coordination and corporation amongst major stakeholders, poor governance and missing infrastructure. Furthermore, after effects of earthquake and seasonal migration also pose hurdles to an effective education system. The researchers believe that high teacher absenteeism rate, lack of professional development and training along with poor facilities present within classrooms contribute towards low quality of primary education found in Ziarat. The research also revealed existence of gender disparity and lack of awareness and sensitization regarding the importance of education that ultimately contributes towards high enrollment rates in Madrassa or religious institutions.
The paper concludes with several key recommendations including the need to involve all stakeholders through various measures such as Parent Teachers School Management Committees. Quality of education must be enhanced through investment in training and development of teachers while effort must be expended on improving physical infrastructure. Temporary learning spaces must be designed during seasonal migration in order to prevent disruption within studies whereas mass awareness must be created through various channels of communication.
Download
