A report based on moniotring of 100 government boys’ secondary schools in 60 districts in January 2013

ISLAMABAD, 17^th May 2013: Around one-third of the monitored boys’ secondary schools did not have a Physical Training Instructor (PTI) and 28% were without playgrounds says a Free and Fair Election (FAFEN) report released on Friday.

FAFEN governance monitors who visited 100 schools in 60 districts reported that not only were the oppertunities for physical training missing, 29% schools did not even have libraries.

The concerned authorities should ensure that different mediums of extra curricular activities be availavble to the students for they are important for a wholesome educational career.

According to the information shared by 98 schools, as many as 2,462 teaching posts were filled against the sanctioned 2,774- an occupancy rate of 89%. The highest occupancy rate was observed for schools in KP, 95%, followed by  Punjab (88%) and Sindh (86%).

For non-teaching positions, 700 out of  765 posts were filled- KP (100%), Sindh (98%) and Punjab (84%).

The number of students per teacher in schools was satisfactory as on average one teacher was assigned for 26 students- below the government set limit of 50 for secondary schools.  

Out of 100 schools, 91% had teachers’ attendance above 76% on the day of FAFEN observer’s visit while this high percantge of students’ attendace was observed in 80% schools.  However it was noted that in 23% schools the attendance of students and teachers was not displayed properly.

As for infrastructure, all the monitored schools were housed in proper buildings with 91% having boundary walls. Electricity connection was available in 96% schools and classrooms of 93% had fans in them.

All classrooms had black (white) boards, 98% had windows and lights, 93% had tables and chairs for teachers and 84% had benches for students.

However, apparatus for conducting science experiements was not present in 17% schools and 16% did not have staffrooms for teachers. .

Government/elected officials made 70 visits to the monitored schools during October-December 2012 quarter.  Thirty five of these visits were by Executive District Officer (EDO)/Education and 35 by some other government officials. Four visits each were made by Members National Assemblies (MNAs) and Members Provincial Assemblies (MPAs) while one was by some other elected representative.