Defending the Indefensible

Not your fault Urstruly,a society bereft of rationale, seeking houries in the beards of mullahs, couldn`t come up with a better comment

During Mohammad Khan Junejo`s rule, a scheme by the name of Nai Roshni schools was started. The aim of this project was to build several primary schools in rural areas in order to uplift education and to improve the literacy rate.

Unfortunately there was a basic flaw in this project. The location of the schools would be based on the recommendations of the local MNA`s and MPA`s and not on the basis of demographic studies. As a result of this many schools were constructed in areas with low population density and became the local influentials` guest houses. The staff of these schools was also hired on the recommendation of the local influentials and as a result of this, most teachers were actually the staff of the MNA/MPA and were working for their sponsor rather than the school while drawing their salaries from the ministry of education. This is one example of ghost schools.

Dear Dr. Hoodbhoy,

I have always admired your writings. They are insightful, objective and point out the fundamental problems confronting the educational system in Pakistan.In the past articles that I read, you stuck to the issues and staying above the fray.

Although I agree with having to answer blatant attacks on your credibility, but such defense, counter attack, what ever you may call it, some how compromises your image. In the end for what ever reason we cannot avoid looking like a fool while fighting with one.

My suggestion, do not answer such attacks yourself - provide the facts to counter such critics to a trusted lieutenant (I for myself would offer these services, being a firm believer in your cause) let them answer such criticism under their own name - and you are able to remain above the fray.

We need credible people like yourself to maintain such an image so that a bigger constituency of people who share your view is created in Pakistan. I look forward to hearing from you.

Prem #9 This (school education in Pakistan) is an area where I plan to start spending more time in real life. I am interested in learning more about a few things at this stage: (a) Are you (or anyone else who may be on this lonely thread) aware of the use of PCs (standalone or linked to internet) in primary, secondary or high schools in any country? If so, in what way has the PC been used. Any particular software that has been found useful in this context. (b) How is course content developed for NGO schools? That is, is it based on course content for public sector schools, or are there separate organizations that try to develop it? (c) Are there any organizations you are aware of that train teachers in Pakistan (i.e. other than regular university BEd type of programs)?

Al #8:

True, defense eats up a lot of resources; but if we have to wait for the military expenses to come down significantly, we will probably have to wait until both you and I are dead.

I like to think small. So, what can we do in the meanwhile?!

tahmed #7:

kya karen bhai. Is duniya ka rang hi aisa hai. But I do agree with you about Chowk. The nonsense that one has to screen out is rising steadily.

WE HAVE TO CUT DEFENSE SPENDING !

This is debate is moot until the system comes round to cutting spending on defense.....

Prem #6 Seems like it, doesnt it? Maybe chowk is getting to be a waste of time.

What`s up, folks? Is it more important to bash each others` religions and to sympathize with your co-religionsists in neighboring countries than to discuss education?

Dr. HoodBhoy #

With apology, it does not need to be a doctorate in education to see the money minting at Khairpur University and ghost schools etc.

But you need to be a doctorate in education to see these things as serving the educational needs of our country.

Was the doctor who denied the presence of ghost school, a doctor in education.

If not he should do it at first opportunity. He will pass with distinction.

And why in hell you want to keep pace with current research. I don`t understand.:-).

The truth is that the continuously displeased dissatisfied intellectuals do the nation a great service. They show us the way. Sometimes we might feel like slapping them killing them or throwing them to the lions ... but the truth is that people like Hoodbhoy are patriots in their own way or makes people like me try harder, and eventhough Hoodbhoy might not be happy with a prosperous Pakistan where he has nothing to criticize, let me tell you professor, it will solely come about because of your efforts...

Pakistan Zindabad

I think it is criminal if money is going into the pockets of corrupt contractors and government officials rather than towards children`s education. That seems to be the basic point Dr. Hoodbhoy is making. Keep up the good work Dr. Hoodbhoy, and expose these scumbags for what they are.

Dr. Hoodbhoy!

I am surprised to read this article of yours. Surprised-beacuse you didn`t make use of this opportunity for Islam bashing, and mis-quoting and mis-representing Islamic tennents; as you usually do.