Discipline and the future generations [Archives:2005/879/Viewpoint]
Editor
They were barely 9 years old, the three kids carrying school bags probably heavier than their own weight crossed the street managing their way between the traffic. Three happy go lucky with very less concerns – or so it seemed – finding joy in manoeuvring their way between halting cars at the traffic light. When suddenly one of them grabbed the other two to come closer to an open van carrying a huge quantity of vegetables. They quickly snatched whatever they could while the car was waiting for the green light and ran with triumph – they got away with theft.
A similar scene was of a little boy in a supermarket, this time barely 6 years old pick pocketing strangers who were engrossed in a conversation. When confronted with his action his mother who was in the market stormed into the scene in defence of her little boy lashing anger at everyone including the ones her son just robbed.
These kids are only examples of many. The joy they derive in doing wrong is astonishing and more than that saddening. These kids grow up to become the corrupt authority figures running the country. If this is the future generation, then what could one expect of the future?
Investing in the youth is an investment in the future; everyone knows this fact except for the ones who prepare the new generations. During school hours you see children of all ages everywhere around the school but not in the classrooms. How are these generations supposed to get their education outside schools and what kind of discipline they are supposed to learn from the streets?
What is far worse is that there are no role models for these children to follow. Their parents being the first people to push them to learn the twisted ways of life and their schoolteachers hardly display any good morals. Many kids complain that their teachers don't show up in school unless it is payday or else stay in the room chatting with one another leaving the kids emptier than ever.
The responsibility of creating Yemen's future is left in the hands of the people who are worst at doing so. Where did the educated and responsible people go? Either fled the country looking for better opportunities or are struggling to survive under the oppressive system. In all cases the so-called bad people outnumber the good people by far. However, the truth is that we really don't need many people to plan and lead. If a chance is given to those with morals and discipline to take control the whole story would be reversed in no time. My hope resides in the Yemenis living in Yemen and abroad who are still descent and have a strong sense of responsibility and I hope they are given the chance to save this country before it is too late.
——
[archive-e:879-v:14-y:2005-d:2005-09-22-p:view]