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Johannesburg, August (GYRP) – A wise old gentleman retired and purchased a modest home near a secondary school close to my home. He spent the first two weeks of his retirement in peace. Then a new school year began. The very next afternoon, three young boys full of youthful vitality passed by. They kicked merrily at every metal can they came across. And the crashing percussion continued day after day. It was massive noise pollution. But did these little ones have any feelings for the neighbourhood?
At the first Earth Values Caucus meeting at the World Summit on Sustainable Development, there was an evident concern for values training in schools. This is surely a step in the right direction. For if the World Summit is going to bear any fruit, young people are going to be the ones looking after the orchards. We know that sustainable development is about a better quality of life for all. But how is this going to be possible if the rich and powerful show no concern for the poor and vulnerable?
There is therefore an urgent need to address the living values aspect of education curricula the world over.
"The direction in which education starts a person determines his or her future- (Plato)”
An education system that teaches young people how to make a living is desirable. But if it will not teach them to make a life, it is no good. Education is more about lighting a fire than filling a pail with water. Content is certainly needed. But if devoid of quality, we are attempting to drink from a poisoned chalice!
Students will continue to get high grades in language or maths but still be insensitive to the needs of others, untruthful or lacking in courage. If mass destruction of the environment and escalating levels of conflict round the world are not about values, what is?
Values play a central role in the everyday choices that people make. If a young person’s values are really skewed, they may pick up a gun to resolve their frustration at school. For this disgruntled pupil, a twisted personal need is more important than human life. It is pencil-case thefts that can lead on to large-scale corruption in government.
Government education departments need to consider more seriously the risks involved in not teaching values. Already consequences are evident. A huge abyss between the haves and have-nots and unfair terms of trade are clear testimonies. Values have the power to change hearts and save lives.
There is an urgent need to move from talk show blathering to real reform in education. The World Summit on Sustainable Development should have its sights set on achieving a total learning environment for young people. Only then will they be in a position to live and let others live.
© Global Youth Reporters Programme
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Charles Sendegeya
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