Mujeeb-ur-Rehman feels a sense of relief as he arrives at the school early, adhering to his usual routine, despite the extended journey today. The scorching heat in Balochistan and the deteriorated road conditions hindered his commute, yet he managed to arrive well before the scheduled time. Habitually, he reaches the school an hour or more in advance.
As the sole teacher and staff member at the school, Mujeeb-ur-Rehman shoulders the responsibility of setting up the classroom. This space, scarcely more than a four-walled room, requires him to lay down carpets for the students to sit on. The absence of a water supply system means students must take turns fetching buckets of water from outside, a task they perform multiple times a day due to the increased consumption in summer. The lack of fans exacerbates the situation, making it difficult for students to concentrate, yet Mujeeb strives to engage them, despite feeling distressed seeing his students, and himself, soaked in sweat.
For the past nine years, Mujeeb-ur-Rehman has dedicated himself to teaching at this school, handling all six classes single-handedly. Although he finds joy in teaching, the need for additional support is palpable.
The peeling paint, unclean washroom, students sitting on carpets drenched in sweat, and wilting plants underscore the significant impact that even the most basic facilities could have on the students’ experience. Providing fundamental amenities would not only improve the students’ learning environment but also allow Mujeeb-ur-Rehman to focus more on teaching and enhancing educational outcomes.
Mujeeb’s story isn’t unique. Across Pakistan, millions of children are out of school, and those who do attend often find themselves in classrooms just as under-resourced as his. Teachers like Mujeeb, passionate and dedicated, are left to fend for themselves, with little access to professional development or the tools they need to provide a quality education.
It’s a sobering reality, one that demands introspection. As we applaud the tireless efforts of teachers like Mujeeb-ur-Rehman, we must ask ourselves: Are we doing enough to support them? Are we investing in the future of our children, or are we leaving them to languish in the heat, their potential untapped? The teachers are trying, but are we?
2024-07-19
