THE Punjab government recently announced vacations for all educational institutions from May 25 to Aug 14. This decision is a step in the right direction because of the scorching heat, along with the upcoming holy month of Ramazan, which would exacerbate the situation for the people. Given the rise in deaths caused by heat-stroke in recent years, the Sindh government should follow suit.

During this season, attendance in government schools is already low for a variety of reasons – including loadshedding and dilapidated infrastructure – forcing teachers to sit idle. The Sindh education ministry should also announce vacations. This would be for the betterment of both students and teachers, providing relief to fast and pray with ample time and mental composure during Ramazan.

A distressed teacher
Hyderabad

Published in Dawn, May 19th, 2017