Analyzing the Sustainable Development Goals Influencing Higher Education in the University of Balochistan, Quetta
Keywords:
Higher Education, Poverty, Zero Hunger, Quality Education, Sustainable Development Goals.Abstract
This study investigates the socio-economic and academic challenges faced by the students in University of Balochistan in contrast with SDG 1,2 and 4. The data taken from 100 respondents highlights pronounced gender disparities in parental education, with 50% of fathers holding higher education compared to only 23% of mothers. Household reliance on government employment (50%), constrained incomes (mean: 116,480 PKR), and large family sizes (mean: 8.78 members) exacerbate financial burdens. Students primarily depend on parental support (80%), while scholarship access (33%) and research funding opportunities (21%) remain inadequate. Food insecurity is pervasive, with 39% of students skipping meals and 38% reporting limited access to nutritious food. Academic resources are insufficient, as only 28% of respondents have access to modern technology and 38% engage in research activities. Financial instability adversely affects academic performance for 80% of students.
These findings underscore the interplay between poverty, food insecurity, and education, emphasizing the critical need for interventions aligned with SDGs 1 (No Poverty), 2 (Zero Hunger), and 4 (Quality Education). To foster equity and student success, targeted measures such as expanded financial aid, gender-inclusive initiatives, enhanced academic resources, and nutritional support are imperative.
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