Shruti Sneha, Pune
A new study showed that Pakistan’s education system is not working properly, with all 134 districts, except Islamabad, falling behind on various measures. As a result, many people are entering the job market with little to no education.
According to a media report, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) recommended that Pakistan implement India’s ULLAS program to improve its ineffective education system and provide high-quality training to its people.
The Government of India initiated the Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society (ULLAS) program in July 2023 to assist non-literates and adults who did not receive formal schooling.
The Manila-based lender suggested providing financial aid to improve Pakistan’s education system and educate all children who are out of school, as requested by Pakistan. This was reported by The Express Tribune newspaper.
According to the lender, the ADB suggested that the government should utilize a strategic and multi-stakeholder consultative method, taking inspiration from international best practices like India’s new centrally-sponsored scheme “ULLAS”.
The ADB’s suggestion was made prior to a planned trip of ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa to Pakistan on September 16.
In 2023, a report from the Planning Commission showed that Pakistan’s education system was not functioning properly. With the exception of Islamabad, all 134 districts were falling behind in various areas such as learning outcomes and public financing. As a result, individuals were entering the job market with either no education or low levels of education.
Pakistan announced an education crisis on International Literacy Day last week, with the goal of educating approximately 26 million children who are not currently attending school in the country.
The ADB stated that the ULLAS program highlights the importance of swift collaboration between federal and provincial governments to improve access to quality education, providing valuable insights on both successful strategies and challenges for implementing a similar scheme in Pakistan.
What does ULLAS mean?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave his approval for the new centrally-sponsored ULLAS scheme, which will span five years and encompass every aspect of “Education for All”.
ULLAS stands for Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society. It was initiated by the Indian Government to assist adults and non-literates who did not receive formal education. The objectives of the plan consist of:
- Granting educational opportunities to those who were previously without it.
- Assisting individuals in acquiring fundamental skills
- Empowering individuals who are 15 years old and older, regardless of their backgrounds.
- Conforming to the suggestions outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The program consists of five parts: Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, Critical Life Skills, Basic Education, Vocational Skills, and Continuing Education.
The plan will be carried out via online volunteerism. Volunteer training sessions, orientations, and workshops will be conducted in person. All content and supplies will be made available digitally for convenient access by registered volunteers through easily accessible digital platforms such as TV, radio, cell phone-based free/open-source Apps/portals, etc.
The total cost of ULLAS is Rs 1,037.90 crore, with Rs 700 crore being the Centre’s share and Rs 337.90 crore being the state’s share.