THE EDITOR, Sir:
I REFER to your article in a recent Gleaner which stated that Mr Pearnel Charles proposes to put education first, by committing up to 20 per cent of the national budget.
There is no doubt that 'education' is a fundamental necessity for the development of the country. However, along with the enhanced emphasis, should be a paradigm shift to making education for life, not just for making a living. Statistics are unlikely to support Mr. Charles' assertion that educated persons are less likely to indulge in unwholesome activities.
Instead, it is the quality of character that is developed within each individual, and the prevailing atmosphere in the wider society that promotes or counters the forces of development of the individual.
Let us therefore promote the type of education that results in bringing out the eternal human values which we are all born with, values such as truth, right conduct, peace, love and non-violence, and their associated sub-values.
Indeed, the leaders that will guide our next generation have a unique opportunity to transform society in a lasting manner. Who is willing to stand up and make that commitment to the nation, I wonder?
I am, etc.,
LALU N. VASWANI
satya@sunbeach.net
25 Clapham Close
St. Michael, Barbados
