ALAC Pakistan

Focus Group Discussion – Education Services

April 22 & 23, 2019

District Kallat and District Sourab

Focus Group Discussions is a qualitative research method which is used to understand an issue at a deeper level. It is helpful for adding meaning and understanding into a topic. Before conducting CRC study, two focus group discussions were conducted which were participated by teachers, parents, school administration and local representatives. The sessions were moderated by TI Pakistan representative Ashfaque Ahmed. The discussions focused on district education issues and the questionnaire used in the study.

In both of the discussions, similar issues were discussed. Following are the main points:

The main problem is the shortage of teachers in two districts.

Due to unavailability of teachers, many schools are closed or non-functional.
Most of the primary schools consist of one teacher and one room. The teacher is teaching all the students.
A gross violation is reported in the hiring of teaching staff. In the past, many teachers were recruited on political basis. These teachers are uncompetitive and have the least inclination towards teaching. Many of them are ghost teachers.
Hiring is based on Union Council level so those who do not belong to a particular Union Council cannot be appointed as a teacher in that Union Council.
There is a scarcity of science, math and computer teachers in two districts.
Majority of the high schools do not have science and computer labs. As a result, students of this region are way behind in these two fields.
Due to the absence of career counselors, students are unable to take informed decisions about their academic and professional careers. Participants were of the view that Balochistan is facing resource scarcity and employability challenges in which a strong education system and proper career guidance can play a huge role.
Both the districts are missing technical education centers. The deprivation of technical and skilled based education is compounding the problem of unemployment which has already become very complicated due to scarcity of water, electricity, security issues and absence of industries in the province. Parents are now compelled to believe that education is of no use to them. It is only fueling disappointment, frustration and sense of deprivation among their children.
During the discussion teachers of district Sohrab claimed that since 2006, curriculum has been changing every year. The books are more complicated, difficult to comprehend and devoid of the need of the people of Balochistan. Adding to their adversity, teachers are not provided periodic trainings on innovative pedagogical methods.
Due to absence of qualified teachers, particularly in science and commerce subjects, higher education is also suffering in the two districts.
It is very difficult for girls to acquire education in this situation. The population is very scattered, and due to absence of any transport facilities, girls cannot travel to schools (middle or high) in nearby UCs.