For whom the bell tolls

TTUTA

AS WE move forward in 2021, we cannot forget that education has been and still is the vehicle for reinforcing the status quo and although many traditional problems have been identified and workable solutions suggested, sustainable plans have not been implemented.

Education within a post-colonial society must give rise to healing the disconnectedness from one’s past and the insecurities and fragmented states of being that exist in everyday life. Nation building through education will occur when we construct a new social order through innovation in the content and quality of education.

The bell is tolling for each of us since all humanity is interconnected. As we mourn the horrific murders of our colleagues, both present and past, we remember the trauma in the wider society and insist that it is a crucial time for the creation of a new system of education that provides foundations for the eradication of social evils and problems.

We have woven tangled webs by deceiving ourselves and others. Many of us are duped into believing that going to school and getting an education, your "subjects," will pave the way to happiness and contentment. Instead, inequality and inequity in education, unfair hiring practices, the inherent evils of a materialistic capitalist society and a myriad of challenges have resulted in human deprivation of basic needs of food, shelter, water, and healthcare.

The souls of many of our people are sick and suffering because they have been entangled in learning that does not provide solutions for character development. We live in a world where children witness and are victims of violence and corruption daily, in their homes, public and private institutions, and communities.

Power is abused and the result is harm, injury, or death. Often, authority is misused for personal gain, entitlement, and selfish satisfaction. Character education can provide viable solutions to moral, ethical, learning, and social issues in society.

It involves teaching of basic human values of honesty, kindness, generosity, courage, freedom, equality, and respect and should be an essential part of schooling. However, some adults also need to be exposed to character and moral education for attitudinal changes; but it is difficult to change adults who are ingrained with harmful behaviours. As a result, a vicious cycle of pain is propagated.

In a more relevant education system, we need to emphasise honesty, responsibility, and care if we want morally responsible and self-disciplined citizens.

Regurgitating information that robs one of imagination, creativity, and self-awareness does not foster problem solving, conflict resolution and wise decision making which would contribute to a healthy view of oneself and reasonable responses in any situation. It is necessary to equip students with skills much needed for interactions in any environment.

Education must also be about your own personal freedom and sense of well-being, but these seem to be far-fetched in our traditional system.

We must be outspoken about the dire need for change since we cannot allow brutality to sink our nation into the abyss of abuse. Citizenship, relationship, companionship, kinship, mentorship, stewardship, and leadership are taking a dangerous nose-dive. A war arises in our being and we are forcibly placed on the battleship to fight for survival.

We must realise that education cannot be separated from the needs of the community. There is a need for massive reforms in society and education is at the core. To remain at loggerheads with each other is to destroy the yearning for safety and the joy in learning and living.

In our land, calypsos have been sung that resonate with meaningful messages about education. instructing our children to learn well and the worthy reasons for staying in school. The lessons are etched in our history and in our memories.

Education can shape a person’s identity, social prosperity, and the country’s economy. A better paying job is awesome if one can get it, but all citizens must be educated about the importance and value of using their varied intelligences to manifest the values of good moral character, knowing and respecting laws, regulations, and the rights of others.