Pakistan’s second-largest city, Lahore, is facing smoggy weather, leading to a government directive to close schools for two weeks. This smoggy weather is causing serious harm to the health of the population, especially young children who struggle to inhale this polluted air. The education system in Pakistan is facing a dreadful situation due to the effects of the pandemic years.
All public and private sectors have announced a two-week closure and transitioned to an online learning model. Individual education portals have been allotted, which the elite class can manage during such crises. However, the middle-class and lower-income populations are facing significant challenges in teaching and learning.
Around 14 million people have been affected by this situation. This smoggy weather poses a serious and alarming threat to the health and well-being of Pakistan’s people. Consequently, the teaching-learning process is now conducted through online sessions. However, these online sessions are not as effective as physical classes. Many middle-class students struggle to access online sessions because they lack internet connectivity and personal computers. Teachers from underprivileged areas face similar difficulties. This intermittent pattern of education is directly harming educational progress, as primary-level students are not receiving proper learning.
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Teachers who can employ multiple teaching styles in physical classrooms are unable to do so effectively in online sessions. Students often do not attend classes regularly and show less interest compared to physical classes. This situation poses a significant challenge to Pakistan’s education system, urging the authorities to take serious steps to ensure the effective learning of the younger generation. Today’s generation is already highly engaged with laptops, PCs, and smart technologies for entertainment. While online education reflects global advancements, it can also create hurdles for students in Pakistan.
The Government of Punjab must take serious measures regarding the education system for students. Providing laptops and tablets to underprivileged students and offering teachers training on how to conduct effective online sessions can make a difference. Teachers can also incorporate variations in their teaching styles.
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To strengthen the education system, any successful framework must focus on foundational classes, particularly at the primary level in Pakistan. This section requires attention. If the government is addressing the adverse impacts of smoggy weather, it must also prioritize the education system. Online learning is progressing rapidly in advanced countries. As an underdeveloped nation, Pakistan needs to strengthen its education system so it can better withstand crises and support all socio-economic sectors.
This situation is becoming more severe with each passing day. Everyone can contribute to addressing it by reducing vehicle usage, limiting chemical emissions, and controlling burning activities. When a country’s foundation is strong, its education system can progress efficiently and effectively.
