AN EXPLORATION INTO THE ROLE OF COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION IN LOCAL SCHOOLS IN SWAT

Abstract

This research examines how being involved in communities can help increase the quality of education in Swat, an area of Pakistan where there are many social, political, economic and historical problems. The research demonstrates that community involvement benefits students in terms of their attendance, grades and conduct. Interviews, focus groups and observing people’s activities are some of the methods used to study types of community engagement, including raising money, supplying educational resources and running after-school tutoring. Due to these community programs, Swat’s schools now have more resources, so students perform better in math and English. Yet, according to the study, various obstacles exist that hinder community members from being more involved. Not everyone is involved because of financial difficulties, rules that primarily affect women and a lack of trust in the government. In rural areas, many families do not have enough money to take part in their children’s school activities. Besides, when gender expectations are limiting, women face barriers to taking part in school decisions, hurting the community’s ability to shape reforms in the educational system. Based on the study, organizing participation through committees like PTAs and SMCs allows families to be more involved in school matters.It proves that being actively involved in the community helps improve education in Swat. They can be helpful to those who want to change and boost education in rural and conflict areas. Should local communities handle the challenges that are shaped by society and gender, they will greatly impact the improvement of schools and provide better learning chances to all.