Of education and elections

Once again, Jamaica is on the verge of parliamentary elections which will signal another era in our politics. Unfortunately, our history has impressed on many minds a distorted view of politics, which is simply the process by which we self-regulate, build consensus, and allocate resources.

Democracy, the framework the Western world embraces, is dependent on a citizenry that is well informed, critical in its analysis and forward-thinking in its outlook. Recently, we watched from afar the struggle of our African kinfolk to secure their right to participate in a political process which, for years, alienated them, and as we pause to recount our forefathers' fight for freedom, let us celebrate the democracy we enjoy.

This then is an opportune time to re-examine the education we offer our youngsters to whom we will entrust our democratic future, for this education should not just create nationals who are technically competent, but also morally responsive and appropriate in their behaviour. I choose to still envisage a bright future for Jamaica where the rule of law is observed, individual dignity is preserved, and the common good is everyone's concern. The meticulous shaping of such a society is a direct function of education, which is a powerful tool that effects positive social change by transforming minds and developing character.

Role of education in nation building

An educated individual understands the role of government, the foundations upon which a political system is built, and how historical, philosophical and other values define a nation. Education should furnish information about Jamaica's international relations, and consequently, what foreign policies are to be explored as each decision made, whether in corporate boardrooms in the Far East, or the Oval Office, impacts every position adopted in Gordon House.

We must, therefore, realise that our involvement in the processes of government is to our benefit, as this is the way we improve the quality of life in our respective communities. Citizens with such understanding make their voices heard and hold elected officials accountable as goal attainment is dependent on those we elect. Choices ought to be based on knowledge, not sentiment.

Second, the education of which I speak emphasises the nurturing of skills that allow one to reasonably describe, explain, analyse, evaluate, take and defend a political stance. Citizens are decision-makers and hence, ought to be able to discern truth from propaganda. This is a high-order cognitive skill that I fear many classrooms inhibit by virtue of ineffective teaching methodology. In reminiscing on my stint at Belmont Academy, Jamaica's first centre of excellence, I recall encouraging pupils to debate viewpoints with faculty who took no offence, but instead used the opportunity to groom students' ability to be rational and expressive, so much so that they played an active role in recruiting and appraising faculty and staff.

Teaching youth to be critical thinkers

We introduced the course 'Politics and Current Affairs', in which they were taught how to research and articulate opposing views on topical yet controversial issues. If our young people who are worth more than their election-day vote are to skilfully influence Jamaica's political course, they must participate in relevant structured preparatory learning experiences in school.

Education also grooms our dispositions as a people. Character is not an incidental corollary, and as such, is to be deliberately and strategically planned for as a learning outcome. Constraint and conscience are indispensable keys to personal and national success. Parading of children in front of television cameras and 'padlocking' school gates cannot be the way we resolve matters of governance as our approach reveals our character.

As we enter the silly season, it is absolutely important that political tolerance be the order of the day. I call on the electorate and those we will elect to conduct themselves in a manner that suggests that we are beneficiaries of an education that enables us to set the right example for our youth.

Maurice D. Smith is a doctoral student at Howard University. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and maurice.d.smith@bison.howard.edu.