The preference of parents for private schools over government schools is increasingly clear. The question arises whether it is beneficial for children to attend private schools and pay high fees instead of government schools that are free, or if parents have lost faith in the government schooling system.
In Pakistan, parents often choose private schools for their children, attracted by higher fees, fancy uniforms, and visually appealing school buildings. However, many parents may be unconcerned about the quality of education provided by the institution, and may be unaware of the experience and qualifications of the teachers. While this is not a criticism of teachers, it is a sad reality.
As someone who attended a government school, I have witnessed the decline of government schools in recent years. While government schools were once the norm, private schools are now a common sight. Even parents who graduated from government schools are increasingly choosing private institutions for their children, while only those in the lower class with no other option left may choose government schools.
This shift is troubling, as our society often associates government schools with lower class students, while private schools are seen as elite. In reality, the difference between the two is significant, with government schools being affiliated with the government and under government control, while private schools can be owned and controlled by anyone, even those without a degree.
Private schools may be prevalent in Pakistan, but they often lack the experience and resources of government schools. Government schools have senior and experienced teachers, no fees, and provide books and other resources for students for free. However, despite these advantages, the government has neglected the education system, resulting in a lack of facilities, absent teaching staff, and a fragile education system.
As a result, families are overwhelmingly choosing private schools over government schools, despite the less than ideal education system. This raises questions about the profitability of private schools versus government schools for children’s futures.
It is clear that the government needs to prioritize the education system and provide better facilities and complete staff for government schools in every street, instead of ignoring it. This intransigency could have cumulative negative effects on the government system in the future.
Given the decline in student enrollment each year, the government must step up and provide opportunities for families, which could help to reduce the number of children leaving school due to financial constraints. It is never too late to give priority to the education system, especially in Pakistan’s dire future. Educated youth could make a significant difference in the country’s development.
To sum up, while private schools may be popular among parents, the government needs to provide better facilities and complete staff for government schools to improve the education system and reduce the dropout rate.
