Education, Where to? [Archives:2000/42/Focus]

archive
October 16 2000

Tawfeek Al-Sharaabi
Yemen Times
Education is the backbone of societies development. It is the corner-stone for progress and advancement. It is not surprising, then, when countries give it top priority. States are highly aware of its importance in building a solid basis for their sustainable development and consequently achieving the welfare of the societies.
In our case, there has been a commendable emphasis on education since the revolution. One of the main goals of the revolution was to eradicate illiteracy and enhance peoples education. Therefore, there has been a general awareness among the people that it is a key and effective factor for improving their conditions. However, as time passed, the education system started deteriorating. Corruption found its way to spoil many of its institutions. In the midst of such an atmosphere, many students started shrugging shoulders at the utility of education. I can get the grade I want, I can get the certificate I want with my money., as some may boast. This attitude has made these students take education casually, and never seriously bother about learning and acquiring knowledge. This is a hazardous development paving the way for an illiterate, ignorant generation in years to come.
Another factor that has weakened education system is the ignorance and carefree attitude of the state institutions concerned with education. They started abandoning their commitment to this vital issue. Despite the fact that good education is highly stressed upon and ensured in our constitution, what happens in reality is completely a different matter. The state seems to lose interest and is withdrawing itself from this sacred right of the people. Facilities, funds provided were very limited and could hardly match with the times. Some schools lack even the basic amenities for education process such as chairs, boards, etc. Let alone other facilities that came as a result of the advanced technology taking place world- wide.
Administrations of private schools, universities and institutes usually violate the rules and conditions upon which they have established those institutes because of the weak supervision by the relevant state establishments. Added to all that is the economic crisis that has a considerable negative impact on the people. Eventually, many people find it almost difficult to teach their children. Some cant afford fees of registration, let alone fulfill other requirements such as books, uniforms, and all that stuff.
Now a great number of students are biting the bullet as the university tuition fees skyrocketed from 2500 to 6000 riyals. This was actually a reckless measure that will certainly demolish the education process. While other countries are competing to fight computer and internet illiteracy, more than 70% of our society are still plagued with illiteracy. Many students find themselves helpless at such an oppressive decision which has closed all doors before them for achieving higher education.
Students have kept their side of the bargain through peaceful means in terms of staging demonstrations protesting against this tyrannical decision. Finally, they were forced to take the issue to the court. However, after winning the case, our officials remained bull-headed, unwilling to abide by the verdict. Those who are supposed to give a good example in respecting judiciary decisions, do reject them depending on their influential positions.
Where shall these students turn to? How much will the country lose by losing those who have interest and determination to study?
Many question marks pop up foretelling of hard times to come.
Now Some students have already lost hope and turned to the streets looking for whatever jobs to take up. Others are still between the devil and the deep blue sea knowing not of what is in store for them.
The funny thing is that in the past we used to cherish slogans made by authorities such as By the year 2000, education will be for all. However, it seems that they were deceptive ones and are in reality By the year 2000, streets for all.
By and large, this is unjust. The Yemeni people have suffered a lot and were patient enough.
38 years have passed since the revolution broke out and still majority of the people are illiterate. Furthermore, the situation seems to worsen rather than get better. Therefore, it is only advisable that our decision-makers do re-consider this issue. The point is Is anybody listening?

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