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I agree with Cypriano Lopes, and I hope many others will not deny that there
is abundant veracity in the points raise by Mr. Lopes.
One quick point though, if Goas CM is so enthusiastic about eradicating
this impediment plaguing the current education system, who is he waiting
for? Can he not take the lead and initiate the change with the support of
his ministers/MLAs, if there is any such intent?
The problem is that we the citizens (Goans) are very complacent with most of
the burning issues concerning Goa and Goans, and our elected representatives
will only move in the direction the wind blows, which right now is their own
(selfish) interests. Only public awareness and AWARENESS together with
ACTION can bring about the changes Goans so passionately desire.
The dictionarys depiction on democracy: [rule of the people]
a
philosophy that insists on the right and the capacity of a people, acting
either directly or through representatives, to control their institutions
for their own purposes. Such a philosophy places a high value on the
equality of individuals and would free people as far as possible from
restraints not self-imposed. It insists that necessary restraints be imposed
only by the consent of the majority and that they conform to the principle
of equality.
The Government, therefore, should be for the people rather than a
selfish self-serving one. If the Government we elect is largely inactive,
and/or acting in its self-interest it is because we the public often times
let this happen through our inaction and/or complacency.
Lets not underestimate the importance of good education. In essence it is
the most crucial thing that will enable you to face the world (and even
change it) and its all within your power.
Heres something I wrote on same subject, posted in June, 2000. Thank you
for your indulgence in reading it:
From: Joe Vaz <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Date: Thu Jun 15, 2000 5:23am
Subject: Importance of the English language.
-----------------------------------------------------
One fails to understand the rationale behind the imposition of either
"Konkani" or "Marathi" as a mandatory "medium of instruction," in
Government-funded schools in Goa -- other than for purely selfish and
self-serving political motives. The obvious losers -- in this game of
playing politics with education -- are our children.
Let there be no doubt, that we do love our mother tongue
Konkani which exemplifies our rich culture, and Konkani will always have a
special place in our hearts. Whereas, the English language enriches our
minds; Science, Technology, Medicine, Engineering etc are propagated through
the English language.
The current system of education in Goa, (specifically at the primary level,)
is not successful, for reasons as follows:
1. English is a universal language, and is extensively used to communicate
with people globally. While education, at the primary level, is devoid of
this important (English) language; students are expected to read major
subjects in English, at the secondary/higher levels.
2. Information Technology (IT) benefits can be best reaped through the
knowledge of English language. Lack of this (English) knowledge, in the
early stages, brings weakness to our education system, and deprives our
children from taking advantage of crucial Information Technology.
3. Employment opportunities are preferentially available to candidates with
proficiency in the English language. Our Goa Government will not support
English-medium schools, and is indifferent to unemployment problem in Goa.
4. Goa Government-run primary schools do not provide quality education, are
often mismanaged, and therefore do not sustain students. Additionally, the
medium of instruction, in these schools, is either Konkani or Marathi, when
the demand is for English-medium.
5. The Goa Government restricts the Catholic (Government funded) schools
from imparting education in English, at the primary level. A majority of
students, parents, teachers, and Catholic schools, prefers English-medium.
Consequently, parents/students have no option but to turn to private
"English-medium" schools, despite the high (and often unaffordable) tuition
fees.
6. There is unnecessary interference from our politicians, in Goa
schools/education, and our educational institutions have very little or no
say on important educational policy decisions. Our schools are forced to tow
the line, because of Government funding.
There is a serious "lack of vision" (or lapse of it) on the part of our
political leaders who have trust upon our children this unwarranted system
of education, despite parents, students, teachers, and educational
intuitions vehemently opposing such a move. Konkani has been, is, and will
always be the mother tongue of Goans, and we must read/learn it as a subject
in our schools. Whereas, English is a worldwide language that increasingly
plays an important role in our lives, and our Goa Government must permit
schools to use English as a medium of instruction, at the primary level.
As we enter an era of Information Technology and IT-based knowledge, the
English language continues to assume an increasingly dominant role in almost
all aspects of our lives. IT (Information Technology) knowledge, and
Computer literacy are essentially gained through English; lack of
proficiency in English language will obviously render our children helpless
and hinder their advancement on the IT frontier. Proficiency in the English
language has become virtually indispensable, as classroom Training is being
supplemented by "Distance Learning" and self-development.
Today, Goa boasts of 400+ crores of foreign remittance by NRI Goans working
in the Gulf, and by those employed on ships. This would have hardly been
possible, if these individuals had not acquired the desired level of
proficiency in the English language for procuring employment oversees, where
competition is fierce and jobs are becoming scarce. It is interesting to
know that industries in Gulf countries (whose national language is Arabic,)
are encouraging learning of the English language right from the initial
stages; and some of our Goan professors/teachers are employed in the Gulf to
teach in English. Does this mean that citizens of these countries that
facilitate learning in English (which is not their native language,) are
less patriotic than we are? Ironically, our Goa Government discourages our
children from learning the very same language, (English) which essentially
will help them earn their future livelihood.
Most Government-run schools in Goa are deserted, with less than ½ dozen
students in each class; what a waste of resource! The Catholic (Government
funded) schools, are following suit, and many parents are forced to move
their children to private schools, in pursuit of an education in English, at
the primary level. This is a prime reason for private schools mushrooming in
cities and even in villages, albeit at the cost of huge tuition fees (and
exorbitant donations) that these private schools demand. Must we pay such a
high price for education, which is a basic right of every citizen?
Logically speaking, therefore, forcing Konkani or Marathi as "medium of
instruction" on our children is not right. It's okay to promote these
languages (Konkani, Marathi, Hindi, etc) as a subject in school. This is
especially true at the primary level as exposure to English at the
inception stage provides a solid foundation leading to proficiency in that
language. Konkani, as is traditionally spoken in our (Goan) homes, and with
friends and family, will continue. While, proficiency in the English
language is essential for our children to effectively communicate with the
world at large.
I also strongly believe, the right to choose one's education -- and the
medium of instruction -- lies with the citizens themselves; the parents, the
teachers, and the educational institutions, act as guides, and their
decisions play a significant role in shaping the future of our youth.
The choice of education is a fundamental right of all citizens of India; the
Government of Goa must not violate this right, by imposing an unpopular
education policy that does not support quality education. It is irrational,
on the part of the Goa Government, to deny funds to the Catholic Schools
that wish to use English language, as a medium of instruction, to educate
our children. After all, the money spent on education comes from the
taxpayers (citizens) of the State, and not from the politicians' personal
wallets. There is no people's representation; when a majority of educational
institutions, parents, teachers, and students alike, in Goa, demand
English-medium in schools. To impose a medium of instruction, against the
will of the people, is grave injustice.
While advocating that Konkani/Marathi medium schools are good for Goans; our
politicians don't hesitate to send their own children to English-medium
schools. This is nothing short of hypocrisy, and is an insult to the
intelligence of Goans.
Our Goa Government's policy on education is in "reverse-gear," and this must
change with forward thinking. Our Government must look well ahead, with a
clear "vision" to lead our children into a prosperous future. The "focus"
must primarily be on providing "quality education" in English-medium, if our
children are to compete with the best and the brightest in this "fast paced"
world.
Thanks!
Joe Vaz
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