Carnival holidays will send wrong message

Some believe that education simply exists to teach academics and how to earn a living, while supervising students. Hence, they expect that schooling can be sacrificed for the convenience of the wider society.

I reject this disrespect to the important institution of education.

I firmly believe the education system is mandated to shape the attitudes and values of young people to conform to the image that society finds desirable for its citizens.

The school must not meekly submit to the ways of the wider society, but rather, the education system must set the bar for behaviour, attitudes, dispositions and values for society.

If there are lapses in society, the education system must take corrective action through a responsive curriculum.

The Education Policy Paper (1993-2003) has been adopted as the guiding policy framework for education in this country, and educational decisions should reflect its policies.

The policy paper was formulated when a team led by the late Carol Keller consulted with stakeholders across the length and breadth of TT .

The policy paper advises that our educational system must aim at developing a spiritually, morally, physically, intellectually and emotionally sound individual; that fundamental constructs such as decency, justice, respect, kindness, equality, love, honesty, and sensitivity are major determinants of the survival of our multi-cultural society; and that the leaders of the educational system in TT must be guided by a set of systematic and incisive understandings, beliefs and values about education in general and its relationship to the development of the national community of TT .

The document asserts that education in TT can be the viable means that creates individuals with the intellect and capacity to develop and lead societies, communities, villages, and/or neighbourhoods and families of the future.

We need to recognise that people learn primarily from experiences, and the experience of being kept away from school by the State because of Carnival can send a negative message to affect an already poor level of productivity.

A decision to ban schooling during the Carnival week can teach our youth that fete takes precedence above work, and every other activity must give way to Carnival, even preparation for future personal well-being.

It seems obvious that the reason why students stay away from school is because the processes of the school have become unappealing and irrelevant to the concerns of students. Perhaps in the race for CXC passes and scholarships teachers and students have lost sight of the purpose of education and its importance for a fulfilling life.

Teachers need to engage students in meaningful projects from before Carnival weekend that will continue on Ash Wednesday.

We need to take the message that George Chambers once sent to TT : “Fete over — time to work.”

David Subran via email