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Hi Bosco, first off thanks for listening to the homily; I thought that yours
was even more interesting. :)
I agree, many Goans are doing (or have done) extremely well for themselves
in many parts of the world wherever they work or have settled. But now we
are talking about primary education in Goa. IF our current education system
is solid (assuming that we have a very good primary education system) --
which is the foundation for a better secondary and higher education, -- then
why are we seeing the phenomenal number of dropouts? Can you explain? You
say education is a societal issue and how did the society inherit this
issue/problem?
I hope you are in a better position and vantage point in speaking for the
Goan community on issues like primary education in Goa than most of us. For
your sake, I hope the whole of the Goan community (in Goa) would agree:
(1) that our Goan kani/kaneos dont wash,
(2) that there is nothing wrong with Goas current primary education system;
(3) that the statistics on dropout rates reported (in the link below) are
wrong and,
(4) that the teachers who teach in Goa and claim the current education
system is hurting our children, are all wrong?
I have seen the problem first hand in Goa. I know what it is like -- to be a
victim of an education system that is often chaotic and confusing. Studying
Konkani in the formative years and then suddenly being forced to learn the
major subjects in the English often becomes a difficult and daunting
barrier.
I was fortunate to learn my mother tongue Konkani at my mothers knee. I
love my mother tongue very dearly, and will not trade it for any language in
the world. Yet, will the world at large recognize my language (Konkani)
when it comes to offering me a job, based on the proficiency of my own
language? No, not even my Goa state will provide me a well paying job if I
am not proficient in the English. So where do I go? How am I to survive?
It is good that you had (or availed) the opportunity to emigrate and make a
fortune for yourself, just like the few others you speak of. I am truly
happy for you and wish you the very best. I am happy myself. I had to
leave the shores of Goa in order to increase my prospects for a better
education and land with a comparatively decent job to support my family and
also contribute to my homeland Goa.
In a recent conversation with a Canadian born friend (whose parents migrated
from India) observed that many of our Indian engineers lack the English
communication and presentation skills, which is a major obstacle for their
advancement. I fully agree with him. We want our children not merely to
have a good education but also to acquire the best communication skills, --
the lack of both is abundantly evident in Goa.
Every year during my trip/s to Goa, I set aside time to teach young boys and
girls computer and language skills. I think it is time well spent and a
worthwhile investment. Often, I am saddened that a majority of our Goan
youth is not well equipped to meet the harsher challenges in the outside
world. It is sad that they struggle to produce a reasonably well written
job application in English. No wonder they are forced to settle for low paid
jobs.
As an individual, someone who is not saddled with the above situation can
readily dismiss the current education system as a non-issue. However, when
we look at it collectively as a community, we can see the real problem and
its repercussions on the larger sections of the society, and therefore as a
bigger and haunting issue. So, please dont pick a few people and make
examples of them. Surely, the few do NOT represent the many.
Now, make no mistake -- I am NOT against the Catholic Schools and what they
teach and stand for. In fact I am a product of Catholic institutions and
the diligence and dedication of some the most brilliant and admirable
teachers I have known. The schools in Goa are rather forced to impart
education the way they do now, or else they will be denied Government
grants. It is not that teachers are not doing their best, rather it is our
Goa Government that is deliberately pursuing a flawed and erratic education
system.
Even the infamous Bal Thakery of Mumbai, who was against the English
language, realized his folly and later emphasized the importance of the
English language. He even called upon his sons to take up English lessons
as the language was becoming increasingly vital with the advent of internet
and globalization, where English is essentially mandatory, primarily to
engage and interact with the outside world.
In fact, English is a crucial element, as technological advancement is
making online education increasingly popular; revolutionizing
classroom-based teaching and bringing learning/education right to ones
desktop. Thus our generation will be able to learn and earn their living
right from home (without leaving the shores of Goa) and they must not be
denied the opportunity to enhance their educational and economical growth.
The bottom-line: If we want a good society, we must seek what is best for
the society. What is vital for the society is solid and formidable
education that will stand its worth anywhere in the world and -- one that
will help our children in Goa to compete with the best and brightest and
excel at home or abroad.
Have a nice day!
Joe Vaz
The following contains highly interesting information, please access the
link below:
http://lists.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet-goanet.org/2007-February/054070.html
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