How often, I wonder, do you see phrases like "Our children - our future hope", and nod your head wisely in agreement. Then walk away, never giving the matter another thought because "education is the responsibility of Governments". Yeah, right! Despite brave efforts by a few, Governments appear intent on striving to reduce our overall education levels to the lowest common denominator so they don't upset anyone or, in some societies, interfere with a well-structured set of antiquated and unwritten "rules".
It was Sheikh Mohammed of Dubai who, if I recall correctly, earlier this year linked the lack of education to the rise of terrorism. Raising the undeniable fact that if people were not taught correctly - or in some cases not at all - they would be more susceptible to being subverted and then despatched on terrorist missions. What did they have to lose after all? Their job prospects were negligible, and their families would be looked after when they were gone. They were fed information that, had they been on the receiving end of an education, they would have recognised for what it was - brainwashing.
At least His Highness has put his money where his mouth is, and established an educational foundation that should be a model for many others to emulate.
It seems such a simple way to encourage peace, at a reasonable cost - if you can measure the benefits of peace in a monetary fashion. So on the one hand, our future and that of our children, is in the hands of all of us, and is probably too important to be merely left to Government.
Education has always been important to me, particularly after I woke up to the fact that I had squandered my own! It therefore seems ironic to me that even in some developed countries, practices remain that are not in the long-term interests of its people. In North Asia, for example, the old and I think largely abandoned (you never can be entirely sure) British-style "old school network" appears to be alive and well. It still matters which high school you went to, and definitely it is important which University you attended when you are seeking a job in both Japan and Korea.
It is particularly true of the latter, where I have had occasion to review the matter recently. I was shocked by the number of Korean students overseas and was interested in the reasons. It seems that a major factor related to the inability of Koreans to get a good job unless they had attended the "right" high school, or the "right" University. No matter how bright they were. Notwithstanding the fact that some students will probably be returning from overseas now, given the poor economic conditions, it does not alter the fundamental desire to go overseas in the first place.
In addition, the number of foreign students in Korean Universities does not compare well to major Universities elsewhere in the world. So, if Korea wished to really consider stealing an advantage over its neighbours during these difficult times here is an idea.
Why not consider the establishment of a high school (boarding) in Korea that would be open to, and would actually encourage, all nationalities? Given the state of the Korean Won it would be cost effective. If it were the right school it would attract the right sort of children - and Korean children would be encouraged to attend. It would bring a whole new dimension to North Asian education, and meet some of Korea's more "international" aspirations. Modeled along the lines of United World College's South East Asia campus in Singapore, it would symbolise a beacon of modern Korea. A completely "off the wall" location might be on the demilitarized zone - talk about a strong message for peace. Clearly I would not advocate putting students lives at risk, but maybe it would just make some people think!!!
Two contrasting issues on education. One which would aim to reduce significantly the current levels of illiteracy that still exist in many parts of our globalised world, the other a means of broadening a closed structure where the education may be good, but is it going to the right people, for the right reasons?
Education is important, and is an issue we must all do something about
Hear! Hear!
The one thing still Great, about Great Britain, is it's 'public' school education system - one of the best in the world! Emulating that anywhere, an excellent idea!
Point in Focus - Thailand's new Prime Minister - an old Etonian!
Posted by: Robert Chesney | 20 December 2008 at 19:24