Our Education System and Pakistan

We all know the importance of education. It is the most important aspect of any nation‟s survival today. Education builds the nations; it determines the future of a nation. So that‟s why we have to adopt our Education Policies very carefully because our future depends on these policies.

ISLAM also tells us about Education and its importance. The real essence of Education according to ISLAM is “to know ALLAH” but I think in our country we truly lost. Neither our schools nor our madrassa‟s (Islamic Education Centres) are truly educating our youth in this regard. In schools, we are just preparing them for “Money”. We aren‟t educating them we are just preparing “Money Machines”. We are only increasing the burden of the books for our children and just enrolling them in a reputed, big school for what, just for social status??? On the other hand in our madrassas we are preparing people who finds very difficult to adjust in the modern society. Sometimes it seems that they are from another planet. A madrassa student can‟t compete even in our country then the World is so far from him. He finds very difficult to even speak to a school boy. It is crystal clear that Islamic Education is necessary for Muslims but it is also a fact that without modern education no one can compete in this world. There are many examples of Muslim Scholars who not only study the Holy Quraan but also mastered the other subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Astronomy and many more, with the help of Holy Quraan. I think with the current education system we are narrowing the way for our children instead of widening it. There is no doubt that our children are very talented, both in schools and in madrassas, we just need to give them proper ways to groom, give them the space to become Quaid-E-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Allama Iqbal, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, Alberoni, Abnalhasam, or Einstein, Newton, Thomas Edison. The education system we are running with is not working anymore. We have to find a way to bridge this gap between school and madrassa. Robert Maynard Hutchins describes it as “The object of education is to prepare the young to educate themselves throughout their lives.” We should give our youth the way to educate themselves.

Edward Everett said that “Education is a better safeguard of liberty than a standing army.” Sadly, in Pakistan we are spending more budgets on our arms than on education which depicts our ideology about education! Since 1947 not a single government is able to change this scenario. In price of a grenade almost 20 to 30 children can go to school for the whole year and the other picture.... a grenade can kill 20 to 30 grown people! So a grenade is damaging in two ways stopping children education and then killing innocent people!!! Why not authorities think about this? Answer.... we all know that!!! Don‟t we?

Now lets talk about our Policy Makers, it seems they are not working enough. Every year policy for education is reviewed by the government but the results are same.... Illiteracy rate is going upwards in Pakistan according to a recent survey. Somebody starting “Nai Roshni School”, somebody starting “Parha Likha Punjab” etc. for what to educate Pakistan? Well, I don‟t think so. These “People” are playing with our nation for the last 60 years just for their on profits and aims. We should and we have to think about our children education now that are we educating them in the right way? If not, what should we do? We have to act now otherwise it‟s going to be too late for PAKISTAN!!!

2. Impact of Foreign Education

In a changing global scenario, Third World countries are accelerating efforts to achieve recognizable success in the field of education. Pakistan has also taken measures to this effect. These efforts, though laudable, are debated by some academics as non-sustainable and thus non-productive. Notwithstanding these objections, over 2,000 students have been able to avail scholarships advertised by the Higher Education Commission (HEC). These scholarships in the field of science and technology are expected to bring expertise to the country and set it on the path of progress. The experience also aims to give individuals a global perspective, hence contributing towards the making of „global‟ citizens. On the economic and employment front, it offers a great advantage to graduates of prestigious international universities in gaining employment within the country and abroad. In the job market, preference is given to fresh graduates! This fact was highlighted when a respected teacher and faculty member of the Punjab University visited the student advising office at the US Consulate Lahore to inquire about Graduate Degree Programs in the US for his son. He explained that despite the fact that his son had a record of outstanding academic credentials, he lost out to foreign, especially US educated candidates, in the job market. Unfortunate though the situation may appear for the local graduates, it is a fact that the international education experience, especially at renowned educational institutions, does often give an advantage to students who are applying for jobs.

This understanding has led to an increase in study abroad plans in almost all countries, especially in those countries where the local education industry is still evolving. UNESCO records a 56 percent increase in international student enrollment from 1999-2004. Six countries host 69 percent of the world‟s mobile students. They are: USA (22 percent); UK 14 percent; Germany 10 percent; France 10 percent; Australia seven percent and China five percent (UNESCO,

and Open Doors 2006). Currently there are 2.5 million international students worldwide and according to forecasts there will be 7.2 million international students (worldwide) in 2025 (Boehm, Davis, Meares and Pearce, 2002). What is important here is to understand the reasons for this increased demand, apart from the fact that it is perceived as a key to better employability. The American Council on Education enumerates the following factors which have led to an increase in „internationally mobile students,‟ a term coined by UNESCO:

Projected growth in household wealth

Increased demand for higher education

Lack of capacity in some countries to meet this demand

Growing interest in studying overseas

(Boehm, Davis, Meares and Pearce, 2002).

The last factor enumerated above can be better explored when seen in the context of the changing global scenario. It is no longer a world where countries or economies function in semi-isolation. Today‟s world is an interdependent and fiercely competitive entity; multinationals are erasing geographical boundaries in the context of business/industrial investment and opportunities. To be able to compete successfully, they look for local human resources in countries where they are investing. These employers have the advantage of selecting the best and the brightest because of attractive employment benefits. One endearing element in candidate selection seems to be the „study abroad‟ experience. Notwithstanding the academic value of a „foreign‟ degree, what really attracts the employer is the „global experience‟. This experience or exposure in the case of international students provides an opportunity to interact with teachers and students from different countries, stimulates learning and allows insights into different points of view. It also helps in creating an international network of contacts.

By way of example it is interesting to note some similarities between experiences looked forward to by Freshmen at four-year colleges in the US (Chronicle of Higher Education August ‟05) and employers rating of the importance of candidates qualities/skills (10 Things employers want you to learn in college, Bill Coplin, Ten Speed Press, 2003). Among the 13 objectives listed by students, five in the top bracket deal with communication and interaction with people of diverse racial or cultural backgrounds. In the rating provided by employers the majority of

the desired qualities involve communication and interpersonal skills. On a five-point scale the top four most important skills rated by employers are:

It is interesting to note that the Grade Point Average (GPA) gets a rating of 3.68 in comparison! This is not to undermine the importance of the GPA since it is an indicator of skills and reveals how good the student is at “figuring out what the professors want and then delivering the goods” (Bill Coplin”). What stands out is the significance of and focus on communication or interpersonal skills; these are the qualities that an international learning environment provides and these are skills that employers and big businesses are looking for. Because of the diverse multicultural environment in colleges and universities in the US and because the US is host to the largest international student population worldwide. American colleges and universities provide the most conducive environment for acquiring effective people-dealing skills, this is why “over 565,000 international students are enrolled in the US Higher Education – more than twice as many as any other leading host” (American Council on Education).

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3. Islamic Education VS Modern Education

Now-a-days there are a lot of people who talk about the modern and

Islamic Education. And it really surprises me as I don‟t believe there is any

difference in Islamic and modern Education. Look Education is Education.

Education means to know about something. The modern science is being

defined as “system of knowledge gained by systematic research and organized

into general laws”.

The Humans are asked, on various occasions in the Quran, to research, to

make some thorough investigations about the universe and to find the hidden

truth in the things around us. The ALLAH ALMIGHTY has invited us to look

around and observe the things in order to solidify our belief in HIM. We believe in

ALLAH but it will solidify our belief in HIM even more.

Now can anybody let me know where the difference is? There is no difference as

we are welcomed to observe, to feel and to understand the things to come closer

to our CREATOR. It means that we are entitled to learn science as science is the

systematic way to observing a fact or finding a fact for which we are asked to.

Now from where does this concept of “Islamic Education” and “Modern

Education” come? In fact we have restricted ourselves to some part of Islam and

preaching only that part is given the name “Islamic Education”. Will anybody let

me know what Islam really is? Islam is the complete code of life. There are

solutions to all kind of problems a human being can face in his lifetime. There is

economic system, there is science, there is political system, there is educational

system and all other things a man can ask for, in Islam.Now-a-days whenever we

discuss the politics we keep Islam aside. Is it right? Of course not! The Quran

says: Mafhoom: Indeed The Messenger of ALLAH is the best example for you.

And we find The Messenger of ALLAH, Hazrath MUHAMMAD (P.B.U.H) making

the policies in the state of MADINA. Now what is this? Does it not prove that

politics is a part of Islam? The economic policies of Hazrath Umer Farooq (The

second Caliph) amazed the European economists. Is it not Islam? In gazwa-e-

Badr some of the enemies were captured and those, who were educated among

them, were asked to teach the Muslims. Can anybody tell me what they taught to

the Muslims, Islamic Virtues? What do you think?

May ALLAH guide us towards the right way and help us in our life.

4. Education for All... Think again!

When talking of the governmental claims and policies, seems that Pakistan is really working to flourish its education sector but I believe that the picture of educational conditions is grim as Pakistan has one of the lowest literacy rates in

the world. By 2005 according to the statistics provided by the government the literacy rate of the country was 54% approximately. Whereas the unofficial statistics differ and the rate is less than about 50% and the government still claims to increase it to 60%. From 1976 to the date the number of primary schools doubled, but so did the population. High levels of population growth continue to hamper educational development in the country. The government launched a nationwide initiative in 1998 with the aim of eradicating illiteracy and providing a basic education to all children but we can see the actual scenario.

The picture of educational conditions in Pakistan is depressing. Although successive governments have announced various programs to promote literacy, especially among women, they have been unable to translate their words into action because of various political, social and cultural obstacles. Independent sources and educational experts, however, place the overall literacy rate at 26 per cent and the rate for girls and women at 12 per cent, contending that the higher figures include people who can handle little more than a signature. The situation is especially alarming in rural areas due to social and cultural obstacles. One of the most deplorable aspects is that in some places, particularly northern tribal areas, the education of girls is strictly prohibited on religious grounds. This is a gross misinterpretation of Islam, which like all religions urges men and women to acquire education. Even though there is a lack of concern on the part of government to promote education, some religious groups, political parties and NGOs are working actively to do so, despite all barriers. The media have played an effective role in convincing people to send their children to schools, the situation remains dramatic in the villages and small towns where almost 70 per cent of the country's population resides. Let‟s now discuss about the role of our governments towards the education system. According to the constitution, it is the state‟s responsibility to provide free primary education. Five years has been established as the period of primary school attendance, but attendance is not compulsory. There are 122, 349 primary schools in Pakistan, of which merely 30, 078 cater to girls. Of these, approximately 13,000 are in Punjab Province. These are the statistics provided by the government of Pakistan. I wish to refer only to Punjab where some positive efforts are being initiated by Punjab Education Foundation and according to them they are providing funds to private schools in rural and urban areas which were charging fee amount up to Rs.300 and now foundation is providing that fund per head. A school of our rural area (Punjab province) The Punjab Education Foundation was established under the Punjab Education Foundation Act of 1991 as an autonomous statutory body to encourage and

promote education in the private sector operating on non-commercial/ non-profit basis. The Punjab Education Foundation has been restructured under the Punjab Education Foundation Act-XII of 2004 for the promotion of education, specially encouraging and supporting the efforts of the private sector in providing education to the poor, through public private partnership. Now when we talk of partnership as being claimed by the officials the question arises of “does it actually exists?” or it‟s a relationship of an employer and employee. Partnership works on equality which in real situation we cannot see as PEF is engaging its efforts more into a “boss” role. Restricting my discussion only to one district of province of Punjab where private institutions are being funded by PEF. They say that to help the poor they contributed their effort and still working on it but are they actually working for the poor? The question remains unanswered. They provided the funds on the basis of quality education and assured the owners their “partnership” but the institutions were working before their initiative so is it their effort? Do they think that providing Rs. 300 per child they are fulfilling their obligation? The expenses of running a school in any remote area are not so less, it includes cost of building and even the books and most important the cost of employees that are teachers so our PEF is aware of all these expenses? Surely they must be aware of that‟s why after signing a contract they visit so often just to see is the building is being constructed, children are provided with quality education, teachers are paid well and the list goes on.... Our officials need to think about their strategies before implementing because implementation phase of attractive paper work is difficult and different. Let‟s hope that initiative of PEF is continued further and such schemes are offered all over the country. PEF has enhanced its role and should also consider all the related matters in detail and should pay attention that private school owners‟ rights are not violated and manipulated.

5. Why should I go abroad for study?

Knowledge is such a great power which leads you to travel around the world but your thirst of knowledge would not be rewarded. While going through the history pages I came into contact with many great personalities‟ biography and came to know that they put up with the hardships of long journeys to acquire knowledge. Besides being fun and exciting, study abroad is an exclusive life changing experience that will help you grow academically, personally and prepare you for your professional career.

Now days many students leave their home countries to study, especially students from developing countries go to developed countries due to superior pattern of education, better campus facilities, to enlighten their resume and for better

employment opportunities. The standard of education is not very high in developing countries so students prefer foreign universities for advance studies. Some universities of developed countries have excellent infrastructure, good research facilities and attractive scholarships for students. These factors are a magnet for students who want to achieve success in their career path but the universities in their home country are deficient of the above requirements.

Another most important factor of study abroad is the job opportunity in that country. As many our country fellows chose study abroad just to get job there which is pretty easy after getting study visa as well as degree from a good foreign university always adds up to one‟s resume. Today‟s job market for graduating students is extremely competitive. You‟re not only competing for jobs with students from your university or your country. You‟re competing with students from across the world. A study abroad experience on your resume will distinguish you from your peers.

It is a fact that a foreign degree adds significant worth to your personal as well as professional development. A degree from reputed university or college provides accelerated growth in successful career. It broadens the horizons and reveals a variety of opportunities for accelerated growth in career.

Study abroad chances have the special purpose of introducing students to the process of crossing cultures. They help students acquire the skills they need in order to be comfortable crossing cultural boundaries in the future. International firms increasingly send new employees abroad in the first few years of employment. Students who gain that experience through study abroad will be ready for the opportunities that lie ahead.

Here are some of the changes educators say that they notice in students after they have been overseas:

1. Comfort with complexity and ability to cope with ambiguous information 2. Willingness to challenge answers that seem too simplistic or formulistic 3. The ability to see more than one side of a question 4. Tolerance for the opinions of the others 5. Flexibility the ability to expect the unexpected 6. Willingness to understand differences and to try to understand different

cultural perspectives 7. Confidence in their own opinions, coupled with willingness to justify their

position 8. Creativity in looking “outside the box" for solutions to problems 9. Willingness to research a question thoroughly before offering solution