Declaration of an Educational Emergency: A Strategic Investment for the Future

The Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan verbally announced on May 8th, 2024 during a big gathering held in the PM Secretariat. This is the crucial time to declare this emergency when the entire global academia is in transformation. With more than 30 years of experience in the national and international academic arena, some suggestions are there for long-term recovery and reconstruction efforts in addition to immediate relief.

1. ?Formation Think Tank/ Taskforce

to address the emotional impact of the educational emergency?they will provide counseling, and resilience-building activities to help individuals cope with this national transformation. The retired and in-service academic force can be used for this.

2. ?Nationwide Psychosocial Support:

A nationwide campaign ?through all print, electronic, and social media should be run, which would help policy advocacy and collaboration

3. Bridge the Equity Gap?

a) To bridge the equity gap?and increase access to education?there is a dire need to invest in under-resourced schools in rural and marginalized communities. This cost can be managed by the establishment of temporary?learning spaces in safe locations, including community centers.

b) Immediate provision of basic?and essential educational resources?ie public libraries, ?textbooks, stationery, and learning materials would address?the?barriers to access and the high number of out-of-school children, particularly girls in rural areas.

4. Revamping Existing Academic Arena.

a) The entire academia?can be revamped through strong teacher?Training, even after the 18th amendment the development of professional standards for teachers is the responsibility of the Federal Government of Pakistan—introduction to teacher's registration and teaching license.

b) ?Introduction to the Job Market (International & Local) ?driven degrees with the strong support?of?teacher education programs for our school systems?along with the introduction to professional degrees through micro-credentials of CPD courses as alternate degree paths. Revision of ?curriculum to focus on critical thinking, problem-solving, and digital literacy

5. Scholarships /financial aid/ Students Loan through one Window operation) ?

Considering the student's potential bandwidth and?students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

a) 80% ?and above average (They can make their path)

b) 60% 80% ?Average ( to unlock the potential of average students)

c) Below average (workforce requires skilled education)

6. Technology-Based Solutions:

a) Utilize technology to deliver education in emergency situations, especially in areas where physical access to schools is limited. Deploy mobile learning platforms, online resources, or educational apps to reach students and teachers remotely.

b) Partnerships and Resource Mobilization/ Out Sourcing (Collaboration?) with Private Sector, particularly by involving the telecom industry.. Partnerships with international organizations, donors, and other stakeholders to mobilize resources and support for emergency education initiatives. Seek funding from local donors as well.

7. Long-term Planning?with Micro-management

a) Develop strategies for transitioning from emergency response to long-term educational development. This would help strengthen education systems along with our social fabric and address underlying socio-economic factors contributing to educational poverty.

10. Performance Monitoring:

a) To materialize the suggestions?establish clear benchmarks to measure progress and identify improvement areas.

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