New Delhi, January 3 (IANS). Pakistan’s weak education and skill system is becoming a major hindrance in the country’s economic progress. According to a report, the education system has failed to convert the potential of human resources into productivity, due to which the country is lagging behind economically.
The Pakistan Observer reports that low public spending on education, outdated curriculum, inadequate training of teachers, limited vocational education options and low funding for research has led to a severe skills shortage and high youth unemployment in the country.
According to the report, Pakistan’s Human Capital Index is 0.41, which means that a child born today, despite getting complete education and good health, will be able to achieve only 41 percent of his/her potential productivity.
Although Pakistan’s geographical location is strategically important, natural resources are abundant and the population is relatively young, all these factors have not yet translated into sustainable economic growth. Weak skills and low productivity continue to limit national progress.
The report notes that Pakistan spends only 1.9 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) on education, much lower than the internationally suggested 4 to 6 percent. Apart from this, about 2.62 crore children are out of school in the country.
There is limited focus in the courses on digital skills, critical thinking and applied learning, leaving the workforce unprepared for technological changes. Citing surveys, the report said 64 per cent of graduates find it difficult to find employment due to lack of skills, while the graduate unemployment rate among youth is estimated at around 31 per cent.
Research funding is extremely low, higher education is disconnected from industry needs, and the quality of teachers is suffering due to inadequate training and limited professional development. The report states that due to less participation in continuous learning among teachers, the quality of teaching in the classroom is also weakening.
Additionally, apprenticeship and training programs are limited, leaving many graduates unprepared for employment. According to the report, 58 percent of employers are having difficulty finding suitable employees.
The report warned that if concrete steps are not taken in time, Pakistan’s demographic growth could turn into a burden and millions of young people would be left out of productive employment.
–IANS
dsc
