Grim prospects in failing education system

Madam,

The pedestal on which the country¶s population stands, and on which a growing economy depends, is young adults under , who make up a huge percentage of society. +owever, the future they are heading towards does not look bright. Besides the teetering economic conditions making entry positions hard to attain, the key to unlocking potential lies in empow ering future generations through Tuality education. Access to Tuality education for all is the most powerful instrument we have to end poverty.

+owever, numerous challenges hinder school children from access ing this powerful tool despite the constitutional guarantee that every person has the right to µa basic edu cation¶, which the 6tate is obligated to make progressively available and accessible.

The kingdom¶s education system leaves many children behind due to crumbling infrastructure, teacher shortages and a lack of educational progress. 2nly a small percentage of public schools are properly function al, with an enormous gap between the results they achieve and the outcomes of the other public schools.

5un down schools, characterised by poorly maintained buildings, dysfunctional and unhygienic san itary facilities and a lack of basic eTuipment and learning material, do not provide a conducive learning environment. For many, studying for tests and examinations has to be done by candlelight.

EQUIPMENT

1evertheless, with well skilled teachers, the lack of eTuipment and infrastructure in schools would not be decisive in the Tuality of educa tion received and results attained. &oupled with the challenging condi tions teachers face in public schools, with a lack of resources and teaching in overcrowded classrooms, employ ment at private schools becomes much more attractive, resulting in an even smaller pool of Tualified and motivated teachers for public schools.

The deep gulf between the condi tions and performance of pupils in public school institutions is apparent, with income ineTuality perpetuating this divide further as children from poorer rural households suffer the worst. 1utrition also plays a maMor role in a child¶s development and has an impact on academic performance.

Rosa Sommer