QUETTA: Balochistan’s education system is facing a severe crisis, with nearly three million children out of school and almost 59 percent dropping out before completing primary education. The crisis reflects deep socio-economic inequality and chronic institutional neglect.
Poverty remains the main driver, forcing children to leave school for work. In remote rural areas, long distances to schools make attendance difficult, while the lack of toilets, drinking water, furniture, and boundary walls discourages students especially girls from continuing their studies.
Other challenges, including child labor, early marriage, and poor teaching quality, worsen the situation. Experts warn that these issues are perpetuating poverty and social exclusion across generations.
Authorities have struggled to track and address dropouts. The Balochistan Education Management Information System (BEMIS) lacks data on dropout patterns, and School Management Committees rarely monitor or report students who leave mid-year. Without reliable data or accountability, enrollment campaigns often produce only temporary results.
Education experts are now proposing an Early Warning System (EWS), known as the ABC Model, to identify at-risk students before they drop out.
The model uses three indicators: A for academic performance, B for behavior, and C for chronic absence. A student absent for five or more consecutive days, or with weak scores in academics or behavior, is flagged for intervention.
Once flagged, schools investigate the reasons—whether poor learning, family hardship, or social pressure—and take targeted action. This may include remedial classes, mentoring, parent-teacher meetings, and improved learning environments.
The Early Warning System operates continuously, allowing teachers to track attendance and performance in real time. Over time, it helps educators understand students’ needs, involves parents more actively, and strengthens community engagement.
Also Read: Balochistan reopens over 3,000 schools, enrolling 81,000 children
Experts say adopting the ABC model in public schools could transform Balochistan’s education sector. By identifying vulnerable children early and responding effectively, the province can reduce dropout rates and move closer to ensuring every child’s right to education.
