The world is living through the nightmare of the coronavirus. Everywhere, conversations revolve around this deadly pandemic. Wherever we sit, we find the fearful and the mindful, while our beloved country has taken medical and awareness measures at the highest levels to contain the situation—especially once the virus entered our land.
But have we asked ourselves: how did COVID-19 become the talk of the world, while the epidemic spreading within our education system has gone unnoticed by officials—or worse, noticed, but left unresolved?
The solution is simple: resolve. We must face this epidemic in education, which has been festering for decades, with the same seriousness as we face Corona. This educational epidemic has corroded the very body of learning, now posing an even greater danger than the virus that terrifies the world. Our children are in real peril. And just as resolve proves vital in times of war, so must it prove even more essential in the realm of education.
We all live with the decay afflicting education. Since liberation, our system has never stabilized on a curriculum truly suited to our environment. Educational technology has never been implemented properly. Time and again, reforms have been announced but not delivered. When will we finally elevate our education to global platforms, and join the ranks of advanced nations? What do we lack to be there? The matter has become existential: to be, or not to be.
Enough wavering and stumbling. Our country is strong in its capacities, and what education needs most—financial support—is not lacking. What we truly need is expertise. And we do not need outsiders to dictate to us what we should or should not want. We have pioneering national expertise, but it remains marginalized.
Yes, marginalized—that is the truth. If we harnessed our talents and minds, we would already be in step with the advanced nations. Our education would be elevated, refined, and competitive. We would uplift our children, who are waiting for us to give them more and more. Let us move forward, without obstacles of favoritism, nepotism, or vested interests. Let us advance, and the world will witness that we have risen. Rise with us, O Minister of Education, so that we may rise in turn—for the sake of our children and their future.
Yes, support is needed, but this is a call to decision-makers: provide the necessary funding to create a world-class education that commands global recognition.
This is a cry from every citizen who wishes to be. We live in an era where it is no longer acceptable not to be. Nations are racing in fair competition, striving toward excellence. Enough negligence. With our abilities and determination, we can reach that level—and we are capable of it.
All we need is a strong antidote against this “Corona of education”—a cure found in the resolve of decision-makers, in firm measures, in preparedness, in building technological education and curricula tailored to our environment without procrastination. We must employ our national expertise—those present yet silenced minds that need only to be uncovered, so they may shine.
Education is a trust upon our shoulders. And I leave this vital matter in your hands, distinguished readers, for earnest discussion.
