‘Education turns mirrors into windows’ is a concept one has been mulling over lately. In a country where the doom and gloom of statistics points to an alarmingly low rate of literacy, one really has to wonder if the mirrors and windows are mere objects just kept for polishing?

What is the future of education in Pakistan?

As somewhat of a semi-foreigner in Pakistan, the culture shock is a mere ripple in the pond of unfamiliarity that one has plunged into. Here, just like the brightly-coloured plastic wrapping of noodles with the chatpatta taste, education is marketed to the next level. It is almost unavoidable that one will come across the banners and promises of a bright, ‘educated’ future for your child.

It seems as if, everything is measured in this country, even the intangible concepts like intelligence and well roundedness. The tuition culture thrives on this correlation between money and outcome, as if one could buy themselves a brighter brain by spending countless hours in the company of a tutor.

The stereotypical schools use the most vivid colour combinations to grab attention on the street, the web to even flyers dropped conveniently at home, in order to convince the parents that ultimately their child will only succeed if they enroll at a particular institution, something which has spread a bit like malaria in the country. Wouldn’t it be nice to celebrate the unsung institutions that do a bit more for the mind than in-your-face-advertising?

The children are disengaged and would favour becoming brain dead by spending countless hours on the internet or the imported Pakistani version of PS3. Real life and the possibility of actually changing the system seems a little bit too traumatic. On the other hand, the prodigal wonder children find themselves in a spider web, gifted and talented are rare words here — rare because such qualities are immeasurable.

Or maybe the culture doesn’t know what to do with them, gasp, what if they actually utilise critical thinking to make an impact?

Like spices in the salan, Pakistan has a fixation with quantifying absolutely everything which does the education system no favours at all.

The result is akin to a nail standing out. It will surely get hammered down. Unless the hands grapple with the hammer and weld it into something else. Like a metal sculpture of a pen, or something that would celebrate diversity. It’s okay to have special education needs, too.

Effort determines aspirations.

This rather elaborate yet superficial analysis of education here can go on and on, almost to the extent of the murky drainage water that is re-supplied to your tap. After all, this is Pakistan, what expectations? That, exactly, is a root that needs to be pulled out when one is looking at the future of education in Pakistan. Expectations are crucial! Pakistani society, perhaps, needs to come out of the lull that great minds such as Iqbal insinuated towards, and have high expectations of the education system — whether it is public or private.

The expectation that education is a mere commodity that pushes an individual higher up the rungs of the producer-consumer process needs to be re-evaluated. The expectation that education is a liberating force that empowers individuals and communities into a better world needs to be established. The expectation that teachers with a passion for their subjects impart not just facts but curiosities to the young scholars that are learning from them.

The high expectations that the Pakistani nation consists of the brightest brains and the kindest hearts through generation requires revitalisation. The expectation that the education system in this country is quirky and unique and is progressing towards a brighter future is logical because, to be honest, what exactly is Pakistan lacking in? Not much really. This country grows its own food, has textiles, wonderful four seasons, dedicated, hardworking populace, faith, unity in some cases, great scope for research, breathtaking geography, fascinating infusions of arts and culture — the attitude just needs a little work.

The mirrors of reflection, transforming towards the windows of progress and betterment are already within each Pakistani citizen that strives to learn. Just as a caterpillar initially goes into a dark cocoon eventually emerging as a beautiful butterfly and spreading its wings, the future of education in Pakistan, is in metamorphosis, from the fierce winds of the past that raise the eagle higher, to the bright butterfly that transforms horizons with the strength of its wings.

The writer is an artist, poet, mentor and educational practitioner.

art@anumfarooq.com