12/03/2024
In the early hours, I saw a poor girl with a shabby uniform and shoes and a torn notebook tucked beneath her arms. Many students like her cannot afford new uniforms, shoes, and basic stationery.
While I understand the importance of uniforms as they create a sense of unity and equality among the students. But for economically disadvantaged families; they can pose a significant burden, especially this year, when the inflation is so high, and the schools and Ramadan have coincided in their commencement. Buying once may be managed, but maintaining the uniform becomes difficult if a mishap happens.
Although, under the constitution, the state has made free education compulsory, it has failed to ensure it. It has been unable to shoulder the burden of poor parents who play a significant role in maintaining the enrollment of their children in schools.
Should it not be the responsibility of the state to provide the poor with uniforms, shoes, and other necessary stationery?
Because when parents face financial constraints, the educational life of their children suffers.
