Ghulam Fatima the district education officer of South Waziristan, has unveiled plans to revive at least 130 girls’ schools in collaboration with tribal elders. This transformative initiative aims to breathe new life into schools that have long remained non-functional, thereby opening doors to educational opportunities for thousands of girls who were previously deprived of this essential right.
Fatima shared this significant development with a national daily, shedding light on the years of dormancy that these schools endured. The revival effort comes at a crucial time, with over 8,000 students enrolled in government schools during the current year alone. The district education officer expressed her unwavering commitment to eradicating absenteeism and ensuring an environment conducive to active teaching and learning within the public sector schools of the district.
To reinforce this commitment, Fatima announced stringent measures against school heads who keep campuses closed under various pretexts. Taking a proactive stance, actions such as salary deductions and strict disciplinary measures have been implemented to address the issue of absenteeism. Notably, 30 employees have been either removed or compelled to retire, and the annual increments of 246 staff members have been halted as part of the disciplinary measures to curtail absenteeism.
Ghulam Fatima stressed the importance of education as a fundamental right and urged tribal communities to send their daughters to school. Emphasizing the transformative power of education, she highlighted that the initiative not only unlocks opportunities for individual growth but also contributes to the overall development of the community.
As the district education officer spearheads this initiative, the focus remains on fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment. By collaborating with tribal elders, the effort seeks to address the root causes of non-functionality, ensuring sustained and meaningful educational experiences for the girls in South Waziristan.