THIS is with reference to the letter ‘Futile exercise’ (Oct 9), which called the efforts of Sindh government towards the establishment of digital micro-schools a redundant activity that would drain financial resources of the state, and described it as nothing but political point-scoring.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, new avenues of obtaining education have emerged. Virtual learning is one such example. Even those living in far-flung areas can now have access to lectures that one could just dream of in the past. Notable universities offer courses free of cost from abroad as well.

In order to have a bright future, edu-cation, whether formal or informal, is a prerequisite. Education reflects in peeple’s lifestyle choices, and boost their morale, enabling them to dream big and achieve those goals. Micro-schools have the capacity to transform lives.

As such, the children obtaining education in these institutions can further form ‘propagatory classrooms’ in their own areas or neighbourhoods where they can impart whatever they have learned to other children, and then those children may do the same, generating a knowledge chain.

Some other types of classrooms that can be set up for making education a lot more accessible include artificial intelligence (AI) classrooms, roadside cabin classrooms, screen monitor display or billboard classrooms, and many others.

Moreover, using innovative approaches, practical skills, like graphic designing, can also be imparted to children at an early age. This will help them become entrepreneurs, and, in turn, help them become financially independent. This will help address gender parity issue as well, with both boys and girls having equal access to education, and then having equal economic participation.

Any effort to educate our children should be welcomed with an open mind. All educationists and community leaders should join hands in this critical regard.

Shahroon Ijaz
Lahore

Published in Dawn, November 7th, 2024