When an education system is designed to push the learners into a world of ferocious competition, ignoring civic education, instructions and values, then that society is doomed to face moral decadency very soon. Following the incident taking place in connection with a controversial song, most particularly by some students of a highly esteemed college, then the question which racks my brain is where the flaws lie; with the students; with our education system or with our society.
During our childhood, I remember well how we use to respect our elders and neighbours. In rural areas, the words ‘chacha’, ‘chachi’, ‘khalah’, ‘khalou’, ‘mawsah’ and ‘mawsee’ were always on our lips, accompanied by ‘namasté’, ‘salaam’ and ‘bonjour’. But unfortunately, the situation is not the same today. Most youngsters look at you unceremoniously, without any salutation. What is wrong with this new generation? Is it the impact of the rapid development which our society is going through or is it attributable to lack of parental affections? After his birth, the child is sent to kindergarten and grows under the care of the staff. Attending primary school, he gets some relief till grade three, but then he embarks on an educational journey till he reaches grade 12. Being involved in the pursuit of the so-called excellent education, he happens to lose part of his sense of humanity. Besides his lessons in the textbooks, he has created his digital world with virtual contacts with people. It is to note that most of his peers know the same fate and the outcome of such state of affairs give rise to immense frustration.
What is done cannot be undone, but a solution to this most crucial situation must be found in order to avoid a repetition of such an incident. In this context, neither the controversial song nor the obnoxious behavior demonstrated by most of our youth is tolerable. Remember that proper respect is earned. Respecting others is a rewarding experience that makes you feel happier about yourself and the world around you. It also makes for better relationships! But it is important to remember that respect is not something you can buy or demand from others.
Besides civism, classic and modern English Literature, with its short stories, plays, novels and poetry will likely boost up the morals of the learners. It is essential to make it compulsory up to grade 10. Poems like The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, Sohrab and Rustom, Upon the Westminster Bridge, The Sacrilege etc. are very emotional and will likely impact the readers. To make the subject-matter inordinately interesting and less boring will definitely rest on the teacher’s method of teaching. On account of it, he can make or mar the classes. Another advantage of learning English Literature is that it may help the students to improve their language skill.
On the other hand, civics is the study of the rights and obligations of citizens in society. The term relates to behavior affecting other citizens. It also equips and empowers citizens to participate in democratic governance. The components of civics education are: Teaching a culture of peace, Education of tolerance, Development of intersectoral social partnerships and Management of self- governing association of citizens.
If somebody pretends to sleep then it is really difficult to wake him up. A whole gamut of works is to be done in order to lead him in the right path. Better late than never, it is high time to find ways and means to bring a positive change in the mentality of our youth who have already gone astray.
Cassam Tupsy
