Respect teachers

Pakistan spends less than two per cent of its GDP on education, while the UN recommends that countries spend at least 6 per cent of their GDP on education. Among professionals, teachers’ salaries rank lower compared to others with similar qualifications. Unfortunately, in Pakistan, teaching is not held in high regard. The issue is the lack of government attention, especially toward public schools. In a major step, the Punjab government has launched a Training Needs Assessment (TNA) to improve teachers’ skills. However, teachers in Punjab have boycotted the TNAs, fearing it might affect their future employment status. In response, the School Education Department has announced disciplinary action against those who refuse to participate. It is recommended that the education department’s bureaucrats address the teachers’ concerns more thoughtfully, ensuring a resolution that ultimately benefits students the most.

Syed Hussein El-Edroos

Islamabad