BAHAWALNAGAR: Only one teacher, no boundary wall or security guard, classes in the open, and frequent animal attacks paint a gloomy but factual picture of the Government Moadab Boys Primary School, Chak Ranaywala.

The school was established in 1938 but despite such a long history, it presents a picture of neglect and sad reflection of our education system. There are three posts of teachers, however, a single teacher, Muhammad Umer, conducts all the classes.

The gravity of the situation can be gauged by the absence of boundary wall due to which cattle and dogs enter the school and disrupt classes, sometimes they even hurt minor students.

The school building is also in a dilapidated condition. The cleanliness is done by the minor students who also take care of sanitation.

Due to this deplorable condition, parents are reluctant to send their children to the school.

One Abdullah says he remains in a state of fear after sending his boy to the school as there is no boundary wall, no staff and no proper arrangements.

Rehmat Ali, another resident of the village, says only one teacher for 55 to 60 students is not sufficient as he is unable to conduct all the classes properly.

Executive District Officer (Education) Dr Javed Chishti has admitted that 356 out of 2,300 schools of the district are without a boundary wall and he has sought Rs500 million from the Punjab government for the construction of their boundary walls.

He says usually there is no post of guard in the primary schools, however, the government provides Rs20,000 annually to each school under Farogh-i-Taleem Fund (FTF) so that local school councils could hire a security guard for its school by itself.

Dr Chishti further says two more teachers will be posted at the primary school of Chak Ranaywala on March 15.

Published in Dawn, March 10th, 2015

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