Today, I met N for lunch/tea after the signing of the contract. We chatted and ultimately still touched on the issue of education. He mentioned his mentor and the role his mentor played. He also mentioned his primary school teacher and how she managed the class.
I shared about my current class of pupils. So far, I have often come to the conclusion that caregivers/parents/guardians play a very important role in the moulding and development of a child. Generally, we see two main groups of children in most places. One group of children have everything they want since birth. They are exposed to many different aspects of the world through the access to technology and transport. The other group is made up of children who are totally clueless as to what is going on around them. The things which preoccupy their minds would usually be play, sleep and fun. Nothing else really matters. They have limited or no access to the outside world and technology. All they know would be the school they attend and the home/homes in which they live in. They do not really know about the other groups of people living in another country.
As much as I wish to show them the world, time is limited. Exams and results still take priority. Character, world views etc do not really matter to them or their caregivers.
This really irks me. The world is so big and interesting. It is not only the school and home. Yet, caregivers often send out messages which do not encourage children to explore the world.
Well, you can say that it is the society and the cultural norms which cause caregivers to act the way they do now. From my perspective, that is not an excuse. It is up to one to move to read and learn and better themselves. Yet, many choose the easy way out of being passive. They probably think that as long as they have a stable job in a safe environment, everything will be ok. They have not considered the meaning of life perhaps. Or perhaps, their levels of risk tolerance is even lower than mine.
Dear Lord,
Please help me not to judge others. It is not right for me to impose my ideals and philosophy on them. Teach me to accept the diversity in the world. Please forgive me for the negative thoughts and the anger that I have inside me. Teach me to be patient. Teach me to be more tolerant.
In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, amen.
2 comments:
Came across your blog by chance. You mentioned that 'caregivers often send out messages which do not encourage children to explore the world.'
i'm a stay-at-home mother of 2 children. i feel that as a parent, we'd definitely want our children to be 'exposed to many different aspects of the world' like you said, but only IF we have the means and money to do so. Which parent want their kids to be suaku and be behind other lucky children who, 'have everything they want since birth'?
Maybe those parents are struggling to put food on the table, and have no time or extra resources to take their children abroad to experience life. Or maybe like me, who have to stay home to take care of the bbs and only the hubby is the breadwinner, so we really have to watch our budget.
I know you are frustrated about it, but if you are keen, why not share with them YOUR rich experiences at other countries to enrich the knowledge of those who hadn't had the chance to go anywhere else other than home and school? i'm sure those not-so-advantaged children would really look up to you and appreciate it and be inspired to explore life when they grow up.
Hi there,
Thanks for your comment.Yes. There is no equal playing field in reality. I have tried to inspire the children. I still am trying. Sometimes, their smiles on their faces and the few moments of enlightenment encourage me. Yet, there have also been times when they make comments which really make my heart sink. I can only keep on trying and I pray that I will find the energy and perseverance to keep going.
Post a Comment