THIS is with reference to the report ‘SHC directs Sindh censors to’reconsider’ decision barring screenings of Ghost School’ (Aug 22). I was a student of Government High School, Larkana, in the 1950s. It was an excellent school with playgrounds, laboratories and professionally efficient teachers. In fact, all government schools in Sindh were imparting quality education at the time and charging a nominal fee.
The scenario changed in the 1970s.
Soon thereafter, public schools started deteriorating and private schools began to proliferate, facilitated by a deliberate arrangement between school-owners and education authorities. This blocked affordable academic opportunities for the disadvantaged.
The authorities were hand in glove with commercial schools, and in due course of time a large number of public schools turned into what are now known as ‘ghost schools’. They now exist only on paper and are not involved in teaching activities. The ‘teachers’ of such schools draw salaries without teaching anything to anyone.
This sad state of public education affairs is reflected in the movie Ghost School, which has been denied screening permission by the Sindh Board of Film Censors in the province. Instead of imposing curbs on efforts that may help us identify the causes of malaise in society, the provincial government should take a serious view of these ghost schools and take remedial measures.
It is required to renovate all dilapidated buildings of these government-run schools, motivating local children to attend their schools regularly. Besides, the presence ofteachers shouldbe ensuredthrough face recognition application, and the quality ofteachingshouldbe assessed by anindependentagency.Teachers shouldbe putin different categories as per their competence and performance.All teachers falling in the lowest category should be put on warning, and sent packing if they fail to improve.
If the Sindh government cannot afford to improve these schools, assistance may be sought from philanthropic institutions.
It is much better to educate our children than to provide people with financial aid.
Air-Cdre (retd) Khayyam Durrani Karachi