THE lack of attention towards essential extracurricular activities in our education system is concerning. These activities offer a wide range of opportunities beyond academics, helping students develop new skills, interests and social connections. They showcase the diverse talents and abilities students possess.

It is rather crucial to create spaces that foster this kind of growth, as extracurr-icular activities not only enhance acad-emic performance, but also contribute to a healthy and balanced life as well as improve mental health.

The academic journey of an average Pakistani student is quite typical. It lacks opportunities for exploration, discovery and personal growth. Extracurricular activities are often overlooked, leaving students wishing for a change rather than actively becoming the change.

The problem lies in the fact that we have made academics the sole benchmark for success. There is little room for students to showcase their diverse abilities and shine.

Not every student wants to follow the traditional career path. Many have world-changing ideas and the passion, determination and vision to pursue them. However, they utterly lack the necessary support and resources to turn these ideas into reality.

It is no secret that our education system fails to incorporate the needs of students beyond academics. We need to create an educational environment that prioritises academic excellence, but also focuses on extracurricular activities to foster growth, stability, independence and accommodation of new and innovative ideas. We must welcome change and empower our youth to embrace modernity, equipping them to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

By embracing extracurricular oppor-tunities, we can empower a generation of confident, creative and competent individuals ready to shape a brighter future for themselves and the country.

Narmeen Fatima
Lahore

Published in Dawn, October 2nd, 2024