Primary School Closures and Negligence of the Education Department

For the past three days, primary schools throughout KP, especially in Chitral, have been completely closed, affecting the children’s learning process and creating educational disruption. This situation is akin to depriving children of their basic rights and is a testament to the inefficiency and negligence of the education department, as teachers have taken to the streets in protest, closing schools. This is not the way of any civilized society. While teachers have the right to demand better pay and facilities, they must prioritize the education and upbringing of the nation’s young minds. Closing schools does not align with the sanctity of their noble profession, nor does it reflect a civilized society. For any issue, dialogue and negotiation are the best approaches.

Primary School Closures and Negligence of the Education Department
By: Fatahullah

Education is a fundamental right and one of the basic human rights, ensuring that every child receives an education. Schools are established to enable every child in society to be equipped with knowledge and skills, making them capable of leading productive, peaceful lives as responsible citizens. Primary education is the foundation of this journey, and the responsibility of a child’s initial training lies within its domain. Teachers are hired for this purpose, and substantial funds are allocated from the national treasury to cover their salaries and other benefits. The primary role of teachers is to teach, as they are the custodians of this noble profession, holding a national responsibility. Ideally, their salaries and benefits should be the highest, allowing them to perform their duties with focus and peace of mind. However, in our country, this group often resorts to protests due to dissatisfaction with their salaries and other benefits, which severely impacts primary education, already in a fragile state.

For the past three days, primary schools throughout KP, especially in Chitral, have been completely closed, affecting the children’s learning process and creating educational disruption. This situation is akin to depriving children of their basic rights and is a testament to the inefficiency and negligence of the education department, as teachers have taken to the streets in protest, closing schools. This is not the way of any civilized society. While teachers have the right to demand better pay and facilities, they must prioritize the education and upbringing of the nation’s young minds. Closing schools does not align with the sanctity of their noble profession, nor does it reflect a civilized society. For any issue, dialogue and negotiation are the best approaches. Benefits can be attained without using children as leverage, but the sacred bond between teacher and student thrives best in the classroom environment, not on the streets. The education department should honor the dignity of teachers and the sanctity of this profession by ensuring better benefits, making quality education for our nation’s children possible.

The government, education officials, and teachers are urged to keep the educational process ongoing, considering the educational nurturing of these young flowers, so that a knowledgeable society can take shape. Children and teachers belong in classrooms. Even if benefits are limited, sacrificing for the nation's young ones is part of a good teacher's qualities. The government and educational authorities are earnestly requested to accept the teachers' legitimate demands and restore the vibrancy of classrooms.