The Editor, Sir:

There are several valid concerns raised in the article on 'Emancipating our youth' in Sunday's Gleaner. Permit me to comment on the form of emancipation that is needed in education.

Before starting any journey, one must have a vision of the destination and then plan the route to that goal. In order to avert the crisis that is upon our and many other nations is to accept that the results of the present system of education is neither satisfactory nor acceptable. The product of the current deficiencies in education is the widespread breakdown of the social fabric of society, illustrated by the high levels of indiscipline, crime and violence that is prevalent.

Tackling the problems

What is education? Is it knowledge of the books? No. Education is not familiarity with the books, but action. What is learnt must be put into action, for the benefit of society, which gave each one the opportunity to be educated. What we have now is a system that may produce some academic heroes, but too many community zeroes.

How can this be changed? First, change the outlook to making character, and not knowledge as the end of education. Teachers must be reminded that within each individual, not just blood and tissue is present, but also the universal values of truth, right action, peace, love and non-violence. The technique for bringing out these eternal values from within the individual is through a process of integral education. By integrating the sharing of values within each subject matter, the child is made aware of the presence of value in every facet of life.

Reinforcing universal values

In biology, the child is taught that plants breathe in what humans breathe out and vice versa, illustrating mutual dependence. Or, that the roots of a tree persevere beyond the underground boulders with determination until it finds water; and then it shares this water to every cell in the body of the plant. Sharing, caring, determination, perseverance from one example. In like manner, every subject can be adapted professionally to reinforce eternal and universal values.

Children and parents must be told that free education has a price they must pay. What is the price? To give back to society through acts of selfless service, starting even in their own homes and local communities within their means. This spirit of sharing and caring will promote a greater sense of ownership ofthe society, which is but another word for a collection of individuals.

This is the true challenge our national leaders, education stakeholders and indeed each citizen must take up, to transform society by the transformation of each individual. Therein we will also be living up to our nation motto, "out of many, one people". We are one, so let us act in a way that brings out that "oneness".

I am, etc.,

LALU N. VASWANI

siewibb@promotech.net

Via Go-Jamaica