Sept 4, 2024
By Bilal Baseer
ISLAMABAD
Rida Imtiaz, a student from Birot Khurd in District Abbottabad, has secure the top position in the Arts group in the Abbottabad Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education’s SSC exams.
Though Rida takes pride in her accomplishment, she expressed deep sorrow for the many girls in her area who have been forced to abandon their education due to the lack of educational institutions. “I come from a poor family. My father is a truck driver. Given our financial situation, enrolling in a prestigious college is beyond our means,” Rida explained.
She added that the absence of high schools or colleges in her area is a major issue. “After primary school, there are no middle schools for girls.”
Rida considers herself fortunate to have achieved success, crediting her parents’ unwavering support for her accomplishments.
In many parts of this region, the lack of educational institutions means that girls can only complete primary or middle school before being forced to leave their studies. Muhammad Safeer, a local councillor, said that the low literacy rate among girls is largely due to the shortage of schools.
He pointed out that the geographical isolation of the area from the district headquarters further exacerbates the situation, as girls are compelled to abandon their education, often leading to early marriages and a life confined to household chores.
Deputy District Education Officer Abbottabad, Naheed Fazal, acknowledged the challenges faced by the region. Speaking to Voicepk.net, she emphasized that the government is now prioritising the promotion of women’s education, recognizing that it has been neglected in the past.
Fazal assured that most of the new schools being constructed will be for girls. She also highlighted the lack of basic facilities in these institutions further hampers the ability of teachers to perform their duties effectively. We are striving to improve security and transport for female teachers.” She believes that with these improvements, teachers will be able to perform better.