EDUCATION AND POOR CHOICES

Jan 30, 2019 Editorial

Long ago, the term “hard ears” was commonly used in Guyana, mostly by parents and teachers, to warn children who were determined to have their way and who stubbornly refused to heed the warnings, advice and instructions of elders. It was meant to let children know that their behaviour was obnoxious and that the choices they were making would inevitably lead to consequences. Today, the term is hardly being used, and it would appear that many parents seem to have lost control of their children or tend to act as if they do not care.
Amid growing concerns about deviancy, indiscipline and bullying in schools by a small minority of students, it is an opportune time for youths, especially those entering secondary school for the first time, to understand how important it is to make wise choices, including staying away from crime and gangs, and heed the advice of parents and teachers that will serve them in good stead in the future.
Schools should not be the place to settle conflicts or to create violence, but unfortunately, this has been the situation in many instances. The purpose of schools is to educate children and equip them with the necessary skills and attitude to be productive.
During the early post-independence period, a good education was the key to a prosperous and bright future and many Guyanese, including those who were not born into great wealth, obtained a good education. Today, this is hardly the case as too many of our students, regardless of their socio-economic status, are being distracted by the lure of the illegal drug trade and criminality. Materialism and money, whether obtained legally or not, seem to be the opium of youths.
Even though quite a few of today’s children may be from wealthy families, a probe into their family history two or three generations ago would reveal relative poverty. Their upward mobility would have been the result of having a good education and making the best of it. It stands to reason that the wisest choice for the children today is for them to continue to do their best in the pursuit of a good education. But this can only be achieved by a change in our culture which places more emphasis on a glamorous lifestyle and less on the importance of education, which is a timeless vocation.
In this regard, the term “hard ears” is as relevant today as it was many decades ago.
Like the past, those who are imprisoned today have shown signs of being on this path from their school days. They were in most cases under achievers in school for various reasons. It is unfortunate that many are functionally illiterate.
Was it solely the result of bad choices on the part of the students or was it a case of a poor education system. The answer lies in both.
As a country, if we are truly serious about becoming the place of choice to live, work, raise families, and do business, then we need to reform the antiquated education system bequeathed to us by Britain. One of the major concerns is that there are too many Band-Aid solutions to solve the deep-rooted problems. The government cannot continue to patch up a shabby education system. It has a duty to ensure that everyone gets a good education in order to boost their potential and bring out the best in them.

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