Indispline in schools serious

Schools must be apolitical

I refer to your report “Schoolboy makes amends for action”(Star July 31).

It is indeed a relief that that the student who tried to strangle his female teacher has repented and made amends for his action. Deputy Education Minister Datuk Noh Omar, should be commended for his personal involvement to investigate and solve the matter amicably. But to consider the cased closed is premature and misleading and I am afraid by doing so we will only be sweeping the dust under the carpet.

A 17-year old boy trying to strangle his female teacher, which could even have caused her death, is not a trivial matter but a very serious crime. It just reflects that all is not well in our schools and the education system in general. By itself, the incident warrants a hard re-look at what is happening to discipline in our schools.

Of late the number of such cases is on the rise which seems to imply that our schools are genuinely plagued with serious disciplinary problems not only among the students but teachers as well. There is a disruption of the harmonious teacher-student relation that is so vital for the sound development of the mind and character of our students who are being groomed to be the future citizens and leaders of the nation.

The two main causes of this unhealthy situation in the schools are of education and inappropriate selection of candidates for the profession.

Politicization, like in all fields, has not spared our education system of its ill effects.It has resulted in favouritsm in the granting of awards, transfers and promotions. Hardworking and dedicated teachers often have no “connections” and are thus left forgotten in cold storage whereas those with such “connections” by-pass them.

This naturally creates a lot of despair and frustration even among the most dedicated lot. How can we expect one to function effectively in such an environment of bias and prejudice?Our schools are run by teachers and headmasters who are more loyal to their political masters rather than to their profession and students. Appointing headmasters who are apolitical would go a long way to enhance professionalism in the administration of our schools.

We do not have control over the choice of students but we do have control over whom we choose to become teachers. The selection process must be more stringent so as to ensure that only the best with the aptitude for the job are enlisted. The future of the nation depends a great deal on the quality and commitment of teachers today Teachers are very important for the future well being of a nation and it would be a tragedy to overlook their importance for short term benefits.

Despite the fact that life has become more materialistic and competitive, I am sure there are many young men and women with burning desire to choose teaching as their vocation and career. It would be very unfair to these youngsters and a great disservice to the nation if we deny them, for whatever reasons, the opportunity to serve the nation in the field they are passionate.

Dr.Chris Anthony