Literacy is the foundation of all learning, enabling individuals, communities, and societies to thrive. On the International Literacy Day 8th Sep, I want to highlight the educational challenges faced by my hometown, Kotli Sattian, a tehsil in District Murree.
Kotli Sattian, nestled in the scenic hills, is a region of breathtaking beauty but also faces profound educational challenges. The rugged terrain and remote villages make access to education difficult, particularly for girls who face considerable barriers to attending school regularly.
The literacy rate in Kotli Sattian remains below overall. Gender disparities are stark, with female literacy lagging due to cultural norms, lack of facilities, and safety concerns. The number of out-of-school children is alarming, and the dropout rate is especially high among girls after primary education, largely due to the lack of secondary schools within accessible distances.
To address these challenges, I propose the following initiatives:
Transportation Services:
Establish safe and reliable transport options, such as free school buses or vans, to ensure that girls in remote areas can attend school without facing the risks associated with long distances and the expense of fares.
Higher Education Access:
Institutions like Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), Virtual University, and other colleges and universities establish local campuses in Kotli Sattian. These campuses would support distance learning, face-to-face, and online education programs, addressing the reluctance of many families to send their children, especially girls, to other cities for education. Additionally, these campuses would provide essential facilities such as internet access and computer labs, enabling students to fully participate in online classes, submit assignments, and take quizzes without the burden of inadequate home resources. This initiative will also promote and facilitate access to higher education, allowing girls to pursue their studies in the safety and comfort of their homes.
By addressing these key areas, we can work towards a brighter future for Kotli Sattian, where every child has the opportunity to learn and thrive.
#InternationalLiteracyDay #EducationForAll #KotliSattian #EmpowerGirls #CommunityDevelopment #LiteracyMatters #EducationReform
Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan Maryam Nawaz Sharif Shehbaz Sharif
Former Director operations and development 0ct 2021 to sep 2024
1wCongratulations!