A priceless asset
By Nain Tara
Basic education is a USAID-funded project which is being implemented by Government of Sindh’s School Education Department. It provides primary education in a number of areas in Karachi, Sukkur, Larkana, Khairpur, Dadu, Qambar Shahdadkot and Jacobabad.
In Karachi alone it has small schools established in many areas like Lyari, Kemari, Bin Qasim, Gadap and Orangi. We met Farhat Rizwan, the only teacher present at Basic Education's Orangi school which is providing its 80 students quality education that the areas local schools cannot boost. She has been running the school for the last 14 years and is credited to have helped numerous students of the underprivileged area.
The school does not differentiate between students on any aspect like caste, color, sect or even physical fitness. The school has allowed many to land better jobs and have even made some pursue higher studies due to the thirst awakened by Ms Farhat Rizwan here.
All students here have one thing in common and that is their dream to make it big in the future. But to make their dreams a reality, these children understand the importance of education. Sadly, the state of education in our country is dismal and jeopardizes our future. Despite studying in one small room and in shifts, these kids are trying to make the most of what is available.
People living in these areas usually belong to the working class that barely makes enough to meet their daily needs. In such circumstances, a free of cost school that provides them with quality education. If the government and state continues to ignore the plight of these younglings, we will only be increasing the number of an illiterate workforce in our country.
