Parents urged not to pay school fees during 'uncertain' times

[ahsansohail]

In Pakistan, where the private sector takes full advantage of the (deliberate) failed attempts by governments in health and education sector, the educational institutions have now started sending messages to parent that the fee vouchers for the month of March, Apr and May are ready for collection. This has caused a lot of distress among parents who do not know how they will manage to pay the fee in these 'uncertain' times.

The debate starts with a much valid point that how will these educational institutions pay the salaries of teachers and staff that are employed in them. Well, it is a well-known fact that how hospitals and schools in Pakistan have exploited the general public in past, therefore; a little cooperation from the school-owners will not make much of a difference in these business tycoons' bank accounts. In current scenario, money must be spent in basic necessities by all and not in luxuries.. While the general public should be careful how to continue feeding their children in these tough times, the school-owners also mustn't and can't plan a vacation abroad. Hence, they should cooperate this time pay the salaries of those employed in their institutions.

Interestingly, the parents have also started receiving messages from their children's teachers urging them to pay the fees. It is very unethical of the schools' management to order teachers to spread these messages across the social media, teaching is indeed a respectable job. Some questions though to the teachers; what is the guarantee that salary will be given despite 100% fees payment? What if the schools management lye to staff that they have not received the fees from parents? Are you going to school daily nowadays to observe that? Do you think the accountant will tell you the truth so that he could be fired?

Anyways, the biggest fear of Pakistani parents is that their child do not remain behind from others... "agar mere bachay ka naam school say kaat dia tou?", say mothers to fathers. If all the parents unanimously decide not to pay the fees, then when the schools are open, will they cut the names of so many of their 'customers'? The answer is No. In the long run, when Corona virus will be eradicated InshaAllah, there will be many schools hunting for students to come back and to offer new admissions because even though after a glitch, it is a profitable business. So this thinking must be stopped.

In these tough and uncertain times, parents must remember that education is important but what's more important is the child's physical and mental health. Therefore, by sticking a hefty amount in to educational institutions bank accounts for an unspecified period may result in further distress of the entire family. The same amount of money must be saved for the children's food security in upcoming days.

Stay safe.