How to Improve Literacy Rate in Pakistan?

Literacy is by default the most important factor in any effort towards development and evolution. Many experts believe that this is the real reason why some of the countries of the so called third world, or some countries in Asia, such as Pakistan, are left behind when it comes to real and staggering development. According to the statistics, Pakistan has made some steps forward trying to educate its children, but still there is an impressive number of 13 million children that do not receive any education and instead work or hard labor jobs or even in the streets, being completely or almost illiterate.

Since numbers reveal the truth, the statistics say that India and China are the two Asian countries with much faster development rate than Pakistan. These are also the two Asian countries with higher literacy rates; in India, the rate has reached the 66%, while in China the rate is impressive: 90%. At the same time, the rate in Pakistan is not more than 50%, which is actually even worse than it seems, given the fact that both India and China feature a much larger population than Pakistan.
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When it comes to development, illiteracy causes a serious problem which is the lack of ideological background and basis. People that do not have any education and cultural backup cannot distinguish between false and true, right and wrong; this doesn’t affect only their personal status, but also makes them incapable of establishing and running proper businesses.

What can be done? How to improve literacy rate in Pakistan? The goal is not unrealistic or a utopia as many people would think. On the contrary; the first step is raising awareness about the issue. Awareness campaigns should be launched, informing the general public not only on the dangers or illiteracy, but most importantly on the advantages of literacy. Spreading education cannot happen without spreading inspiration and encouragement towards education. Especially when it comes to remote and rural areas, people need to find out why they should choose to send their children to school, rather than to the fields or other jobs.

Except for raising public awareness, a few more measures need to be taken. For instance, there is not enough infrastructure regarding school buildings and facilities all over the country. Islamabad and a couple more cities are obviously privileged, but not all people reside there, and in any case, the literacy percentages are lower in rural areas, where the facilities are also fewer. Lack of teachers, lack of educational material and lack of buildings are some of the problems that need to be addressed soon.

Expanding the elementary education should also be of immediate concern. Providing free textbooks, increasing the budget for social education and expanding adult education as well are some additional measures that could boost the literacy levels in Pakistan. These measures are efficient, effective and can have some immediate results, which could be vital for the overall cultural and economic developments of the country. Literacy is anyway the basic requirement.