The scenario in Balochistan is shocking when we speak of education. Though Balochistan is the largest province of Pakistan in terms of area, there is a great lag in the literacy levels of Balochistan, as compared to other provinces. In several regions, particularly in the isolated settlements, there are few or no possibilities of availing appropriate learning institutions. In some cases where schools are available, there is a shortage of the most fundamental elements such as clean drinking water, electricity, furniture and well trained teachers.

The percentage of children who drop out of school due to the poor education system in Balochistan runs into thousands per year. Most of them have to end prematurely due to poverty, writing skills, or differences in culture. Girls are mostly affected because sometimes they cannot attend school due to the traditional norms that prevail in certain parts of the country where they are primarily rural.

Why the Education Gap Exists

The education system is weak in this province due to some reasons:

• A lot of schools are run down buildings or without roofs.

• Teachers are usually scarce in the rural areas and teacher absenteeism is also a prevalent problem.

• The province gets few resources on educational development.

• Most of the children work to cater to their families and not education.

When these are put together, it forms a cycle of the continued uneducation of the children, and the viciousness that they cannot overcome poverty stricken living.

The Human Cost of Poor Education

A poor education system is not only harmful to particular children, but the whole society. The ill education system in Balochistan lacks opportunities and future generations become unemployed, undeveloped and even rebellious. Unless young people receive a good education, they are unable to attain the skills required to survive in the current job markets or be effective contributors in the community.

The Role of NGOs in Changing the Situation

Although government involvement is present but is very slow and at times inadequate, there has been increased intervention of non governmental organizations filling the gap. Such an NGO for child education​ can contribute importantly by promoting learning chances in digitalized remoteness and poor-quality locations. Such NGOs usually deal with:

• Construction of and repairing schools

• Training teachers

• Giving out free stationery and books

• Carrying out awareness educational campaigns to inform parents in sending their children to school

• Providing scholarships to the deserving students

An NGO organization focusing on child education can directly produce results on the level of literacy and offer children their actual future by focusing on the most struggling communities.

Girls’ Education, A Key Priority

Among the most urgent problems the absence of educational opportunities for females can be mentioned. Girls leave schooling at the primary school level in most aspects of the education sector in Balochistan because of social pressure, safety issues, or the lack of a local secondary school. Girls' education is beneficial to families and even societies as a whole; therefore it is crucial. Research has indicated that educated girls tend to educate their children well, and hence poverty is broken.

The Power of Community Involvement

Community involvement is needed to make a change that will last. Religious people, parents, and local elders must endorse education projects. Communities can:

• Donate land or material to construct schools

• Be accompanied by checks to monitor school attendance to discourage teacher absenteeism

• Fund sensitization programs on the need to have education

Once the local communities are actively involved in the enhancement of education to Balochistan, the possibility of success will greatly increase.

Technology as a Game-Changer

Technology can aid in remote locations where schools are hard to construct. Mobile schools, solar-based learning centers, and education programs on the Internet can provide access to children, where there otherwise is none. The availability of digital solutions will also ensure that local teachers bridge the gap between national and international training material.

Nevertheless, investment, access to the internet, as well as adequate training of teachers and learners is needed in relation to these innovations.

Why Immediate Action Is Needed

Without taking action on the education crisis in Balochistan, immediately, the disparity between this province and the rest of the country will only widen further. This will increase unemployment rate, unproductivity and lack of development of the uneducated youth. This is not an issue to only Balochistan- it is a challenge to the whole nation.

What You Can Do to Help

• Donate or volunteer in groups that are functioning in Balochistan.

• Create awareness concerning the current plight of the students in distant places.

• Give support to the policies focusing on education in underdeveloped areas.

It does not matter what you give; time, money or even advocacy support, as it can help deliver a child another life.

Final Thoughts

There is a long way to go towards education in Balochistan, but not an impossible one. Every child may get an opportunity to learn with the synergy of the government, communities, and non-governmental organizations. This should be done immediately since each year we continue in this way thousands of children remain without education.

Education without progress and by improving the messed up education system in Balochistan and helping the programs such as setting up of an NGO to help in the education of children we can give the future an equal and bright one.