Stop blaming Indian schools

Dear Sir,

This is with reference to the ongoing discussion in this column about Indian schools. I have two daughters studying in the “school near religious complex”. I have anything but absolute respect for the principal, teachers and management of this school. Many a time I have felt that the level of dedication shown by them with regard to the students goes beyond normal call of duty. For example, an orientation session was conducted by the school last Thursday for parents of 10th standard students. The session was conducted by the principal who covered topics ranging from how to choose the streams of studies for Class 11 to how to deal with teenage children. He had high fever and was visibly suffering. But still he conducted the session for around two hours. If we have high fever and medical leave is available to us, won’t we take it? He could have done the same. Especially since such a session is not required either according to academic curriculum or CBSE/SEC rules. I will call it commitment to his students, our children. 

Education has changed a lot from our days as students. As parents we do need to update our own knowledge quite a bit in order to support our children. The Indian education system has for long been based on textbooks only. There is a change in that, of late. The importance of school trips comes as part of that.  There is a lot a child learns on these trips. It may not necessarily be related to what is in their academic curriculum. But the child learns how to share, how to solve problems as a group, how to behave in a group, how different children tackle similar issues, etc. These lessons, called soft skills, have a very large bearing on how successful they will eventually be in their chosen career. These cannot be taught in a classroom or by advising them at home. It is true that every parent may not be able to afford these trips. But is that the mistake of the school? Doesn’t such condition exist back in our homeland?  If we make a comparison with majority of students back in India, isn’t it true that our children here enjoy better living conditions?

Also, there is a lesson even in denying them a trip because you cannot afford it. How else do we prepare them for the disappointments that they will eventually face in life? It is the lack of such preparation that leads to young children going to extremes, such as committing suicide, as soon as they face disappointment. 

Again, as a parent, I do not wish to see my child walk in the hot sun. But is it such a big issue to walk 200-300m? Shouldn’t they get a little exposure to the environment here? We have chosen to come and work in a desert, knowing fully well the conditions here. Were we all born in air-conditioned homes and studied in air-conditioned schools?

True, the summer heat here is quite high. But such short distances can be covered safely if one holds a simple umbrella. In case of very small children, say KG school, an umbrella can be kept with the parent who will definitely be waiting for the child.

Yes, there may be cases where both parents are working and there is no one waiting for the child. But can we ask the school to compensate for that very private decision of ours, taken for the financial security of the family? Of course, as far as possible the school should try to use transportation suitable to drop children as close to their home as possible. But if we insist on small buses only, the number of buses required will increase and so will the cost of transportation. 

It is so easy to blame the school for umpteen things. But can we turn a blind eye to the dedication of everyone involved, right from the principal to the helper on the bus, to ensure that your child learns well and reaches home safe?

We should not accuse schools of profit mongering, having reliable facts. Schools also need to be financially viable to remain operational. If earning money is a crime, we all came here to commit that crime.

MJC, (Full name and e-mail address supplied)

Pathetic roads at labour camps

Dear Sir,

More than 50 top companies have their labour camps in Al Shahaniya. Their employees are engaged in  construction of large bridges, highways, etc. They play a vital part in Qatar’s infrastructure development. Everyone will agree that these workers deserve fairly good living conditions.

In this connection, I would like to highlight the sorry state of roads leading to the labour camps in the area. The width of the main road is less than 4m and it is in a dilapidated condition. The road has no pedestrian walkway.

Hope authorities will take immediate action to improve roads in the area so that labourers living there can enjoy better safety.

Vishnu Nair, (e-mail address supplied)

Please send us your  letters By e-mail: editor@gulf-times.com