Revolutionary approach

this article is about education in Pakistan. The fact that a majority of people in Pakistan (63 per cent of the population) is currently under the age of 25 years, makes the availability of affordable education and training opportunities an immediate need or the country risks a very bleak economic and social future.

It is crucial to the survival of a healthy economy and society that everyone becomes aware of the critical role of education in society and participates very actively in bringing about an education revolution in Pakistan. Education concerns and affects every aspect of society. It is time that every teacher, businessman, professional, worker and parent realises that education must be made available to every citizen. The consequences of not doing so are severe and impact everyone's life. It must become the concern of the whole society to provide each and every student with the opportunity and support to succeed.

Education is not only a basic human right, but also a necessity for a functional modern society. Education is the engine of economic prosperity for the individual and the nation. It is a major factor behind improved public health and high quality of life, and a tool of achieving great intellectual discoveries, democracy and world peace.

Even in developed countries, education is continuously considered as one of the pillars of economic development and prosperity. In the United States of America during the entire week of September 26, education made headlines in the media in a concerted effort to restore its status as a national priority and a key for the country's success. In the interactive summit "Education Nation", teachers, community leaders, governors, students, philanthropists, and parents were brought together in a "Learning Plaza" to discuss and find solutions to improve one of the most advanced education systems in the world.

Unfortunately in Pakistan, the news headlines are mostly about severe budget cuts for education, especially higher education and the critical situation of the education system that is failing its clients and its purpose.

This is the time for us to change the outlook, perspective and understanding of the role of education and what it means to everyone personally as well as collectively. As an organised society with clear goals on how to improve education, an education revolution must be called for and must be carried out to reclaim the position of education as an engine of progress, prosperity and well being for the people of Pakistan.

 by Saba Mushtaq