By Sue-Ann Wayow
EDUCATION is much more than academia and now more than ever, it needs to be structured in a manner that will teach children core values of volunteerism, patriotism, charity and public-spiritedness.
In her message on the occasion of International Day of Education 2022 on Monday, President Paula-Mae Weekes said she hopes that the education system can be transformed soon.
The theme of this year’s observance is, “Changing course, transforming education.”
This brings into focus the urgent need for education systems to be reimagined in order to meet the rapidly changing demands of the 21st century, a critical task in the age of Covid-19, Weekes said who also acknowledged the challenges over the past two years, with online learning.
In a release by the Office of the President, Weekes stated, “I have long advocated for a total re-think of the education system to reflect the need for young people to be equipped not only with the relevant knowledge and proficiencies necessary for them to find decent work and contribute to the nation’s sustainable development, but also core values of volunteerism, patriotism, charity and public-spiritedness.
“A full and balanced education requires a healthy diet of subjects and activities geared towards producing all-round individuals who can take this country forward. Well-designed curricula should encompass academic, moral and civic lessons, imbuing children with wholesome attitudes, mores and principles, enabling them to understand their place in the world and their responsibility towards their fellow citizens.”
The President asked that there be a commitment to changing course, transforming education so that the education system can produce well-rounded, fully developed, civic-minded people to become assets to their workplaces, communities and the nation.
