RESTORING HUMAN VALUES TO THE HEART OF EDUCATION
The fast changing panorama of Education demands a deep introspection into our goals and learning outcomes to decide whether we are on track. This holds good for all levels of education but especially so in the case of school education; because it is here that strong foundations need to be built.
Daily news reports of violence and brutal bullying, horrifying shootings in educational Institutions, of suicides and the increasing rate of addictions of all kinds, point an accusing finger at the relevance of a curriculum that fails to sustain values. Earlier, we have heard of such incidents happening in America, but the recent event at Graz, in Austria, where a former student wreaks vengeance on his own alma mater, raises serious questions. Unfortunately, such kinds of heinous crimes have percolated down to India and even more alarmingly, to Kerala too! Recently, the death threat issued by a Class 11 student to a teacher at Palakkad because his mobile was confiscated, the brutal murder of Md. Shahbaz at Kozhikode by a rival gang of students, the hapless suicide of a student at Ernakulam due to callous bullying by school mates and the chilling stabbing of a junior student in a school bus at Trivandrum, have all jolted our conscience! How can we remain insensitively oblivious any longer? India, at one time, had boasted of a culture and an educational system that was rich in values and life skills and was held in great esteem the world over. What has happened now to change all this? The situation needs to be tackled with emergency and sensitivity to bring about lasting change. And the restoration must start NOW and with US!
Modern Education claims to be not only about “academic excellence but holistic growth.” This is an oft repeated cliche. It’s high time it became a reality! Of late, we had started considering students as robots to be calibrated, to produce cent percent results in examinations! Is the undue focus on academic brilliance, undermining our holistic approach?
As our children mature chronologically, we need to mentor them to imbibe 21st century skills like critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication, as well as, problem solving and digital literacy, etc. Using these skills appropriately, and in an equally mature manner is of primary importance, as these can act as double-edged swords that either “make or mar”. It is when lopsided acquisition of such skills occur that the equilibrium is lost and kids are somersaulted into a world of chaos and disorder.
Let us safeguard our kids from these! Whenever oppressed, they should be capable of channelizing negative behaviour into positive action by seeking counselling or indulging in enriching pastimes such as sports, art, music, reading, etc. They should be empowered to make just and informed decisions, take prompt and practical decisions and formulate their future paths, in a way that highlights their own individual capabilities and talents, without merely following the trodden path carved out by parental or peer pressure.
Assisi School caters to inclusiveness in education and gives opportunity to students with special needs to flourish within its campus, while at the same time instilling empathy in other students to interact with them, positively. We believe that our kids are basically good and filled with infinite capacity for greatness. As parents and educators we need to nurture them with love, kindness, understanding and empathy while at the same time supporting them to be strong and resilient in the face of setbacks. Let us instill in them a sense of pride in themselves and their families and a sense of commitment to their communities, societies and the world they live in.
Assisi School envisions the restoring of human values to the heart of education. Let us nurture every tiny dream that takes root in the hearts of our children. Let us collaborate to make this academic session, 2025 - 2026, a joyful and purposeful one, where all dreams bloom and thrive day by day! Best Wishes to all!
Director
Rev. Dr. George Mathirappilly