Quality education: A dream come true or imprisoned in suicide?
In an agonizing twist of fate, a 14-year-old girl attempted to take her own life, being helplessly trapped by the weight of her family’s poverty. Her parents, struggling against the endless cycle of financial hardship, clearly couldn’t manage the fees demanded by her school—a private institution they believed was her only chance to break the bounds and have an exceptionally well future.
Surah Noor
She is one of those infinite young souls, with hefty dreams that their families can barely afford to make them come true. And yet, despite government educational schemes and supposed financial relief, public institutions fail to instil the same hope, pushing even the poorest parents to sacrifice everything for private schooling.
The crunch of government schools is evident in their poor infrastructure, lack of hygiene, insufficient teaching staff, and inadequate facilities for girls. These drawbacks compel many underprivileged parents to seek alternatives in private schools, amid their financial arrest, as they prioritize their children’s education and well-being.
This situation provokes educational negligence, pushing families deeper into financial crises while their children suffer from lousy learning environments. This desperate choice reflects a systemic failure that often overlooks the needs of the most susceptible- leading to tragic endings, including suicide.
As a society, it is crucial to advocate for reforms that prioritize funding and resources for public education. Collaboration between the government, inhabitants, and non-profit organizations can help improve school conditions, ensure adequate teaching staff, and create home free environments for every student.
Where is the civil society that should stand up for these tender souls? How can we, as a society, let young minds feel perturbed by circumstances that are beyond ones power? With each woeful tale, we are reminded of the gap between policy and reality, where lives hang in the balance.
Where is the safety net for innocent souls like her? When will civil society and our government bridge this huge void? Families are left to shoulder an impossible burden of poverty, yet the question remains: does government’s big vows and charming policies undoubtedly are introduced to make a difference or bewitch the society and poor into deception? Should the cost of education be so high that a child’s life becomes its victim? Or are we waiting until “the straw that breaks the camel’s back” takes more innocent lives?
To address these issues, the government must make preferment investments in government schools by improving basic infrastructure, ensuring clean, healthy and cherished environments, and escalating the number of competent teachers.
Devoted funds should be allotted to build and maintain hygienic toilets, especially for girls and create a supportive learning environment. Alliance with NGOs and society initiatives could help bring prompt growths.
By intensifying on these strategies, the government and the nation can together make public education a feasible and safe option for all, upholding financial strains and empowering souls to choose life.
(The author is a class 12th student. She writes on social issues)
