I received many comments for my post on schools in Brunei a few months ago. While I do not doubt that parents’ involvement in their children’s education is imperative, I still believe that schools and teachers equally play an important role. I also agree that at the end of the day, it is the children’s own efforts that determine their achievement and those who have ‘the brain’ will make it anywhere. Although I do not think this is fair.
It still appears to me that most parents (including myself) do not really have a concrete reason why we send our children to a private school than to a government school. We assume we know the reason. We assume that by paying more, our children will learn more. Often, our choice of school is influenced by words of mouth. When we see or hear children of our friends or relatives are doing well in a particular school (which is almost always a private school), we assume our children will also be doing well in the same school. Now, if this is true (i.e. a private school is better) then those children who have able parents will almost certainly get better education. What about those children whose parents cannot afford to send them to a private school?
But the question remains, do we really know that a private school is better than a government school? Does the money we spend worth the quality of teachings our children are receiving?
Generally, we do not know the real performance of a school, the performance of the students, let alone the performance of the teachers. We do not know whether school A is better than school B. I remember when my husband and I went for school-hunting a few years back. We went to a few schools and all we were given was a few forms to fill along with the fee schedules. There was no information on the performance of the school or any information why we should choose that school. In the end, I had to rely on words of mouth, which is not an informed decision.
Here in the UK for example, we have the Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED). Every school is inspected and assessed. In the comfort of my chair I get to read reports about all of the schools in the area which are published in their website. Every school that I visited also gave me a copy of this report.
Now, this is what I call a transparent system that leads to an informed choice which we are sadly, lacking. Now, I don’t know the content of the Ministry of Education’s SPN21, I hope transparency is also one of the agenda. It will not only help parents make the ‘right’ decision, it will also ensure the quality of our schools, be it private or government. And most of all, it can ensure that every child receives a good quality education.
When all schools are assessed and results made public, naturally every school will want to be the best and want to improve their past performance. This will not only benefit the children and the parents but will surely benefit the entire education system. Who knows, if the government schools prove that they are better than the private schools, parents don’t even have to fork hundreds of dollars each month. And that will be sweet indeed…
Salaam.
Showing posts with label education. Show all posts
Showing posts with label education. Show all posts
Monday, 7 July 2008
Thursday, 3 July 2008
Life-long Learning in Brunei
There will be 2 exciting international conferences to be held in Brunei:
1. Brunei International Halal Market Conference on 16-17 August 2008;
2. International Conference on Economics of Higher Energy and Food Prices: Future Scenarios and Implications for Developing Economics
So, do take these opportunities. Attend, learn and don't forget to ask questions :)
Salaam.
1. Brunei International Halal Market Conference on 16-17 August 2008;
2. International Conference on Economics of Higher Energy and Food Prices: Future Scenarios and Implications for Developing Economics
So, do take these opportunities. Attend, learn and don't forget to ask questions :)
Salaam.
Friday, 20 June 2008
Meritocracy
I've been busy in the past few weeks finishing the final chapter of my dissertation. Alhamdulillah...it's done. But work is not over for me. I need to revise my earlier work. Time flies fast. It's almost 4 years. I can't wait to get to the end. Insya Allah, I will get to the end.
My husband has also finished his course which means it's just another step for him to become a fully qualified international architect. I'm sure he will.
Anyway, both of us believe that education is a lifetime investment (and equally, a lifetime pursuit). Admittedly, it is tough and not easy. There are also times when we question ourselves whether it's worth it. The time and the money we spent - We could have bought a BMW or a Mercedes (that's what I always said to my husband, haha). But most of all, we wonder whether or not we can use what we have learnt to contribute to the development of Brunei?
I'm sorry but Brunei has yet to prove that it's a nation of meritocracy, where people are rewarded for their contribution (regardless of the age) and not for their length of service or worse, for certain 'birthrights'. If Brunei wants to change, it needs to accept and adapt new ideas and new technologies that Bruneians have acquired abroad or even within the country. It needs to listen and encourage its people to question, to debate and to offer solutions. There should also be a two-way communication. Only then Brunei can breed intellectuals and thinkers among the entrepreneurs, the professionals and the policy-makers, who I believe will help create a much diversified Brunei, a dynamic Brunei.
Salaam
My husband has also finished his course which means it's just another step for him to become a fully qualified international architect. I'm sure he will.
Anyway, both of us believe that education is a lifetime investment (and equally, a lifetime pursuit). Admittedly, it is tough and not easy. There are also times when we question ourselves whether it's worth it. The time and the money we spent - We could have bought a BMW or a Mercedes (that's what I always said to my husband, haha). But most of all, we wonder whether or not we can use what we have learnt to contribute to the development of Brunei?
I'm sorry but Brunei has yet to prove that it's a nation of meritocracy, where people are rewarded for their contribution (regardless of the age) and not for their length of service or worse, for certain 'birthrights'. If Brunei wants to change, it needs to accept and adapt new ideas and new technologies that Bruneians have acquired abroad or even within the country. It needs to listen and encourage its people to question, to debate and to offer solutions. There should also be a two-way communication. Only then Brunei can breed intellectuals and thinkers among the entrepreneurs, the professionals and the policy-makers, who I believe will help create a much diversified Brunei, a dynamic Brunei.
Salaam
Thursday, 1 May 2008
Public School vs. Private School
One of the decisions we need to make upon returning to Brunei is choosing which school to send our children to. Like other parents, obviously we want the best for them. And this would probably mean a private school instead of a public one. But I keep asking myself how do we really define ‘the best school’? And why do we Bruneians always have the perception that a private school (in particular the primary level) is better than the public school.
Here in England both my children go to a public school. And fortunately for us (and them) the school is one of ‘the’ best schools in this part of England. Parents are willing to move in the area just so that their children can go to this school. I remember the headmaster was telling us that the number of children who were applying for the reception class (kindergarten 2) was always triple the number of available spots. That’s how good it is.
But most importantly, my children love their school. Even if they are unwell, they will want to go to their school. They’re happy, we’re happy. We are even happier when last month, during parents-teacher meeting, we were told that our children were doing extremely well in school. Our eldest daughter who is only 6 and in year 1 seems to be on advance levels in most of her subjects. And I don’t know how their system works, but my daughter proceeds with her advance learning in her class, instead of waiting for the rest of the children.
Now, somebody tell me where can I get a similar school in Brunei, without burning a big hole in our savings account? Is there a public school in Brunei as good as this? And most importantly, what makes a good school?
I don’t know about you, but I believe ‘teachers’ make a good school. For example, there are many other schools in our area where we live, with the same system, the same facilities, but my kids’ school is ranked one of the best. If all schools are the same, then the only differences between them are the teachers. So, a good school must be due to good teachers. The same must also apply in Brunei. However, I have yet to hear a good public primary school (the one that every parent wants to send their children to).
This brings me to the next question, why do we Bruneians always think that our children will do much well in a private school? The MOE’s statistics shows that 43 per cent of about 69,000 children go to private primary schools despite a higher teacher/student ratio in the private school (1 teacher to 15 students in the private schools and 1 teacher to 9 students in the public schools). [Is there statistics on the performance of public/private students in exams?]
Using the above reasoning (since almost all schools follow the same curriculum set by the MOE), then could the reason why people think the private scholls are better is because the teachers and/or the quality of teaching are better than those in the public schools (who I believe are more well paid and more qualified with schools which have better facilities)? If this is true, then I would love to know WHY then our public teachers are not doing well? If this is not true then why do public teachers and the MOE’s officers and staff (who are looking after the quality of public schools) send their own children to private schools (which just show their own lack of faith in the quality of their own teachings/system)?
Or is it because of our ‘materialistic’ mentality? Where our society sees public schools, despite better facilities and more qualified teachers, as second rated. Where parents would rather have a mountain of debt, then be seen sending their children to a public school?
All the talk about the Ministry of Education’s SPN21 is quite interesting and I hope the results will not only improve our education system in Brunei but can also help change the general perception of the public schools. Because at the moment, as much as I want to argue and convince myself that both my husband and I are the products of public schools and we turn out to be OK, I still cannot make myself send my children to a public school. Simply because I don’t have the faith :(.
Salaam.
Here in England both my children go to a public school. And fortunately for us (and them) the school is one of ‘the’ best schools in this part of England. Parents are willing to move in the area just so that their children can go to this school. I remember the headmaster was telling us that the number of children who were applying for the reception class (kindergarten 2) was always triple the number of available spots. That’s how good it is.
But most importantly, my children love their school. Even if they are unwell, they will want to go to their school. They’re happy, we’re happy. We are even happier when last month, during parents-teacher meeting, we were told that our children were doing extremely well in school. Our eldest daughter who is only 6 and in year 1 seems to be on advance levels in most of her subjects. And I don’t know how their system works, but my daughter proceeds with her advance learning in her class, instead of waiting for the rest of the children.
Now, somebody tell me where can I get a similar school in Brunei, without burning a big hole in our savings account? Is there a public school in Brunei as good as this? And most importantly, what makes a good school?
I don’t know about you, but I believe ‘teachers’ make a good school. For example, there are many other schools in our area where we live, with the same system, the same facilities, but my kids’ school is ranked one of the best. If all schools are the same, then the only differences between them are the teachers. So, a good school must be due to good teachers. The same must also apply in Brunei. However, I have yet to hear a good public primary school (the one that every parent wants to send their children to).
This brings me to the next question, why do we Bruneians always think that our children will do much well in a private school? The MOE’s statistics shows that 43 per cent of about 69,000 children go to private primary schools despite a higher teacher/student ratio in the private school (1 teacher to 15 students in the private schools and 1 teacher to 9 students in the public schools). [Is there statistics on the performance of public/private students in exams?]
Using the above reasoning (since almost all schools follow the same curriculum set by the MOE), then could the reason why people think the private scholls are better is because the teachers and/or the quality of teaching are better than those in the public schools (who I believe are more well paid and more qualified with schools which have better facilities)? If this is true, then I would love to know WHY then our public teachers are not doing well? If this is not true then why do public teachers and the MOE’s officers and staff (who are looking after the quality of public schools) send their own children to private schools (which just show their own lack of faith in the quality of their own teachings/system)?
Or is it because of our ‘materialistic’ mentality? Where our society sees public schools, despite better facilities and more qualified teachers, as second rated. Where parents would rather have a mountain of debt, then be seen sending their children to a public school?
All the talk about the Ministry of Education’s SPN21 is quite interesting and I hope the results will not only improve our education system in Brunei but can also help change the general perception of the public schools. Because at the moment, as much as I want to argue and convince myself that both my husband and I are the products of public schools and we turn out to be OK, I still cannot make myself send my children to a public school. Simply because I don’t have the faith :(.
Salaam.
Tuesday, 29 January 2008
The Dilemma of Teenage Pregnancies
I was reading an article in Slate regarding the declining rate of abortion in the US. There were a number of factors involved of course, including voluntary prevention through birth control schemes nevertheless, the debate continues (on legalising abortion). Interestingly however, it was reported that more and more Americans are now campaigning not against abortion, but against 'teen sex'.
Now, for a Muslim country, therein lies the dilemma. Sex education, to give or not to give? By giving sex education at schools, we're seen as conforming to the act (of pre-marital sex) which is forbidden in Islam. By not giving it, we are faced with social illnesses: abortion, sexual transmited diseases, (unwed) teenage pregnancies and worse of all, abandoning or killing innocent babies.
Whether we like it or not, we can't just turn blind eyes to the increasing trend of 'teen sex' in Brunei. No data, however is available to support this but from my conversations with a couple of doctors in Brunei confirms that the trend is worsening. I once asked one of my doctor friends, why is there no collaboration between the Health Ministry and the Ministry of the Religious Affairs (MRA). At that time, I thought by informing the MRA, at least the problems associated with 'single (teenage) parents' could be prevented and let the teens be responsible with their acts. And she replied that if they were to inform the MRA everytime an unwedded teen got pregnant or delivered a baby, then the worst might happened. How so? The pregnant teens (who were already scared) now would not have any place to go. What is feared that more and more illegal abortion would take place which would be harmful to the pregnant teens and worse, more and more innocent babies would be left abandoned. Even as it is, according to her, these pregnant girls only went to seek medical help at a later stage of their pregnancies which were often not without complications.
Even if the teens seek an early help, it may also not help solve the problems. Once they are found pregnant, obviously the morally right thing to do is to marry them off. But their future could also end there. They have to quit school. Without proper education and qualification, how do we expect them to lead a high quality life? How do we even expect them to provide for their children?
Now, back to sex education. I guess, to preach through the morals of religion alone is no longer sufficient. What is needed I think is a good and open communication between the teenagers and the educator (including you and me). The more these young people have their questions answered regarding contraception, relationships, sexual health and the responsibility of being a parent, I think will help them to make the decision in delaying any sexual relationship and hopefully to get to do the right thing of 'sex after marriage'.
No matter how and what approach we want to use, please let there be one. Pregnancies among the teens not only affect their lives but also affect the nation as a whole, especially for a country where human resource is valuable. If you read my previous post, unwanted teenage pregnancies could lead to a vicious circle which could lead to poverty and thus affecting the healthy development of the nation. It is a tough challenge of course, but somebody HAS to do it.
Salaam.
Now, for a Muslim country, therein lies the dilemma. Sex education, to give or not to give? By giving sex education at schools, we're seen as conforming to the act (of pre-marital sex) which is forbidden in Islam. By not giving it, we are faced with social illnesses: abortion, sexual transmited diseases, (unwed) teenage pregnancies and worse of all, abandoning or killing innocent babies.
Whether we like it or not, we can't just turn blind eyes to the increasing trend of 'teen sex' in Brunei. No data, however is available to support this but from my conversations with a couple of doctors in Brunei confirms that the trend is worsening. I once asked one of my doctor friends, why is there no collaboration between the Health Ministry and the Ministry of the Religious Affairs (MRA). At that time, I thought by informing the MRA, at least the problems associated with 'single (teenage) parents' could be prevented and let the teens be responsible with their acts. And she replied that if they were to inform the MRA everytime an unwedded teen got pregnant or delivered a baby, then the worst might happened. How so? The pregnant teens (who were already scared) now would not have any place to go. What is feared that more and more illegal abortion would take place which would be harmful to the pregnant teens and worse, more and more innocent babies would be left abandoned. Even as it is, according to her, these pregnant girls only went to seek medical help at a later stage of their pregnancies which were often not without complications.
Even if the teens seek an early help, it may also not help solve the problems. Once they are found pregnant, obviously the morally right thing to do is to marry them off. But their future could also end there. They have to quit school. Without proper education and qualification, how do we expect them to lead a high quality life? How do we even expect them to provide for their children?
Now, back to sex education. I guess, to preach through the morals of religion alone is no longer sufficient. What is needed I think is a good and open communication between the teenagers and the educator (including you and me). The more these young people have their questions answered regarding contraception, relationships, sexual health and the responsibility of being a parent, I think will help them to make the decision in delaying any sexual relationship and hopefully to get to do the right thing of 'sex after marriage'.
No matter how and what approach we want to use, please let there be one. Pregnancies among the teens not only affect their lives but also affect the nation as a whole, especially for a country where human resource is valuable. If you read my previous post, unwanted teenage pregnancies could lead to a vicious circle which could lead to poverty and thus affecting the healthy development of the nation. It is a tough challenge of course, but somebody HAS to do it.
Salaam.
Thursday, 25 October 2007
How did I get to love Economics?
It was many years ago.... Well, when I was young I used to live abroad and when I came back I went straight to the secondary school, to be precise, I was put in Form 5. You see, while abroad I went to some international schools which did not have the same system that we had in Brunei. As a result the subjects I took were like American History, Drama, French etc. And when I came back, I had to choose subjects which I had zero idea of. These included Economics, Principle of Accounting, Malay and History. It was in May when I resumed my education in Brunei and the 'O' level exams were in November. So imagine how panic I was!*
Anyway, my economics teacher at that time, who was local, I presumed had faith in me (my POA teacher on the other didn't..I remember she told me that I wouldn't get through with just a few months to learn things which were supposed to be learnt in 2 years..Well, Miss..I've proven you wrong!!). Back to this economics teacher (God bless him, Allah Taala saja membalasnya) he was the kind of teacher who was dedicated. Of many teachers, he was the only one who made the effort to give extra classes to his students, free of charge, to prepare for the upcoming O levels. And the way he taught us, his patience in explaining the theory of demand and supply, elasticities etc etc..was superb. And I guess because he was such a likable and friendly teacher, well we could approach him anytime we wanted, he made economics the most understandable subject I've ever learnt (to me that is). And I said to myself, this is it..for better or for worse, economics would become a part of my life..either teaching it or using it or anything to do with it.
I don't know if we still have the kind of teachers like my economics teacher. Even during the time when being a teacher was a profession that someone would chose at her/his own free will, only a few were available. What about now, I wonder, when teaching has become the profession of 'the last resort'? When becoming a teacher is probably no longer the favourite ambition of our children. Will we be able to produce dedicated teachers? Teachers who live to teach, not teach to live.
For those of you who are teachers or who are becoming one, please take pride in what you do. Being a teacher is one of the noblest job. Either directly or indirectly you get to shape-up people's lives and/or help people to determine which path they want to take in life. It is a big responsibility. So if you think teaching is not for you, then don't do it for the sake of just having a job. You might be depriving those who genuinely want to teach hence depriving students from having dedicated and good teachers.
I was extremely lucky to have met my teacher. I'm forever indebted to him. Thank you, Sir!
Anyway, my economics teacher at that time, who was local, I presumed had faith in me (my POA teacher on the other didn't..I remember she told me that I wouldn't get through with just a few months to learn things which were supposed to be learnt in 2 years..Well, Miss..I've proven you wrong!!). Back to this economics teacher (God bless him, Allah Taala saja membalasnya) he was the kind of teacher who was dedicated. Of many teachers, he was the only one who made the effort to give extra classes to his students, free of charge, to prepare for the upcoming O levels. And the way he taught us, his patience in explaining the theory of demand and supply, elasticities etc etc..was superb. And I guess because he was such a likable and friendly teacher, well we could approach him anytime we wanted, he made economics the most understandable subject I've ever learnt (to me that is). And I said to myself, this is it..for better or for worse, economics would become a part of my life..either teaching it or using it or anything to do with it.
I don't know if we still have the kind of teachers like my economics teacher. Even during the time when being a teacher was a profession that someone would chose at her/his own free will, only a few were available. What about now, I wonder, when teaching has become the profession of 'the last resort'? When becoming a teacher is probably no longer the favourite ambition of our children. Will we be able to produce dedicated teachers? Teachers who live to teach, not teach to live.
For those of you who are teachers or who are becoming one, please take pride in what you do. Being a teacher is one of the noblest job. Either directly or indirectly you get to shape-up people's lives and/or help people to determine which path they want to take in life. It is a big responsibility. So if you think teaching is not for you, then don't do it for the sake of just having a job. You might be depriving those who genuinely want to teach hence depriving students from having dedicated and good teachers.
I was extremely lucky to have met my teacher. I'm forever indebted to him. Thank you, Sir!
Salaam.
* I managed to get 7 credits out of 8 subjects. And the 1 I didn't was History (bless the teacher, he was nice too! I could never - and still can't - remember the years and the names or which year goes with what hahaha)
Friday, 6 July 2007
How to reduce crime Part 2.
It is quite disheartening to read today's news in the Brudirect regarding students' involvement in criminal activities. I believe it is not the job of the police alone to reduce and prevent such activities happening (which are alarmingly increasing). And I also do not agree that we should totally rely on the parents of these teenage delinquencies to perform the 'correct' parenting roles as according to the police supt.:
"The majority of cases that involve students are from broken homes and those who are gullible and easily influenced by friends."
My interpretation of 'broken home' here is a family who do not live in an environment where children can grow up healthily (mentally and physically). You see, the most important years of a human's life are the first three. During these years, skills such as communication, empathy, compromise and recognising good and bad are developed, which will help the children to make good (and bad) decisions later in their lives. Children who come from 'broken families' are hardly exposed to such skills. Worse, if any of their parents or family-members are involved in criminal activities, then the likelihood for these children to be involved in the same activities are high.
For this reason, I believe it is now time for Brunei to think outside the box and adopt a more holistic approach involving not only the police, but also education, health and social care. Early years initiatives perhaps can be offered to help support the PARENTS who have criminal records, who are unemployed and teenage parents (which I blogged a few days ago) who I believe have greater risks of not performing the 'correct' parenting roles. Supports such as regular social-care visits, counselling and/or financially should be looked into. I also think that it is imperative for the relevant government agencies (not only the police) to play an ACTIVE role in identifying the 'high risk' parents and their children and to give the proper supports in order to prevent future criminal conducts (made by those children).
Echoing what I said in my previous blog about teenage parents, I believe the first measure to future crime prevention is to provide education to these young parents so that they and their children can have better future. And again please.....do it immediately.
Salaam.
"The majority of cases that involve students are from broken homes and those who are gullible and easily influenced by friends."
My interpretation of 'broken home' here is a family who do not live in an environment where children can grow up healthily (mentally and physically). You see, the most important years of a human's life are the first three. During these years, skills such as communication, empathy, compromise and recognising good and bad are developed, which will help the children to make good (and bad) decisions later in their lives. Children who come from 'broken families' are hardly exposed to such skills. Worse, if any of their parents or family-members are involved in criminal activities, then the likelihood for these children to be involved in the same activities are high.
For this reason, I believe it is now time for Brunei to think outside the box and adopt a more holistic approach involving not only the police, but also education, health and social care. Early years initiatives perhaps can be offered to help support the PARENTS who have criminal records, who are unemployed and teenage parents (which I blogged a few days ago) who I believe have greater risks of not performing the 'correct' parenting roles. Supports such as regular social-care visits, counselling and/or financially should be looked into. I also think that it is imperative for the relevant government agencies (not only the police) to play an ACTIVE role in identifying the 'high risk' parents and their children and to give the proper supports in order to prevent future criminal conducts (made by those children).
Echoing what I said in my previous blog about teenage parents, I believe the first measure to future crime prevention is to provide education to these young parents so that they and their children can have better future. And again please.....do it immediately.
Salaam.
Thursday, 28 June 2007
How to reduce crime and make poverty history in Brunei?
If someone were to ask me the above question, my answer would be EDUCATION. Specifically, by providing education to ALL.
I am sure that you and I agree that crime and education are related. People who have more education are generally less inclined to commit any crime and/or become really poor. Now, I am not addressing those who commit crime while they are still at school (although they can come later once they realize the mistake they make), rather those who are deprived of formal schooling due to other circumstances, such as teenage pregnancy, teenage marriage and early school-leavers. And what I mean by education (for now) is the chance for everyone to complete their PMBs, O levels and A levels.
It is really really sad that there are many out there who did not even finish their PMBs because of early pregnancy and/or early marriage (generally because of the former). I mean, what can they do with just Secondary 2 qualification? At Secondary 2, they were like 14 or 15 years old. Children. And these children are having children. How can they support their family? Yes, I know some people would say WHY got pregnant in the first place? But I also ask Can you UnDO it? Why dwell on the kids' mistakes? What good will it have? Nevermind that their teenagehood have been wiped out, let's not wipe out their future too.
It is in fact disturbing, as the trend of teenage pregnancy is rising over the years (refer Borneo Bulletin 19 April 2007). And what about those who did not get pregnant (or whose pregnancies were terminated i.e. miscarriages) but nevertheless were married at their teenage lives (I can assure you, it does happen to many).
I know this is a dilemma. By giving these teenage moms and dads free formal education can be interpreted as acceptance of pre-marriage pregnancy. But I also say by NOT giving them the education may negatively affect the lives of MANY future Bruneians. It will be a vicious circle: Teenage pregnancy leads to teenage marriage leads to being poor (no job/means to support the family) leads to crime leads to poor parenting quality leads to poor children upbringing and ON and ON and ON.
I think, whether we like it or not somebody has to address this issue seriously. For a rich and a small country like us, where high quality of human resources are scarce, we should give these teenage moms and dads the chance to finish their high school education either by allowing them to continue their studies in their former schools or a special school (special I mean a school that caters to their circumstances). I know that there are evening classes for the PMB and O levels but if I am not mistaken, the students still have to pay for the exams fees, which to me is a big disincentive. In fact, I believe what Brunei should do is to give some incentives for these teenage parents to complete their education.
No matter how Brunei wants to do it, I strongly believe it will be worthwhile. But I implore, please do something, for the sake of the unborn babies, who are our future generation. They deserve better lives.
Salaam.
ps. When's the next session of the state legislative council? Hope to see issues such as this and unemployment be thrashed out.
I am sure that you and I agree that crime and education are related. People who have more education are generally less inclined to commit any crime and/or become really poor. Now, I am not addressing those who commit crime while they are still at school (although they can come later once they realize the mistake they make), rather those who are deprived of formal schooling due to other circumstances, such as teenage pregnancy, teenage marriage and early school-leavers. And what I mean by education (for now) is the chance for everyone to complete their PMBs, O levels and A levels.
It is really really sad that there are many out there who did not even finish their PMBs because of early pregnancy and/or early marriage (generally because of the former). I mean, what can they do with just Secondary 2 qualification? At Secondary 2, they were like 14 or 15 years old. Children. And these children are having children. How can they support their family? Yes, I know some people would say WHY got pregnant in the first place? But I also ask Can you UnDO it? Why dwell on the kids' mistakes? What good will it have? Nevermind that their teenagehood have been wiped out, let's not wipe out their future too.
It is in fact disturbing, as the trend of teenage pregnancy is rising over the years (refer Borneo Bulletin 19 April 2007). And what about those who did not get pregnant (or whose pregnancies were terminated i.e. miscarriages) but nevertheless were married at their teenage lives (I can assure you, it does happen to many).
I know this is a dilemma. By giving these teenage moms and dads free formal education can be interpreted as acceptance of pre-marriage pregnancy. But I also say by NOT giving them the education may negatively affect the lives of MANY future Bruneians. It will be a vicious circle: Teenage pregnancy leads to teenage marriage leads to being poor (no job/means to support the family) leads to crime leads to poor parenting quality leads to poor children upbringing and ON and ON and ON.
I think, whether we like it or not somebody has to address this issue seriously. For a rich and a small country like us, where high quality of human resources are scarce, we should give these teenage moms and dads the chance to finish their high school education either by allowing them to continue their studies in their former schools or a special school (special I mean a school that caters to their circumstances). I know that there are evening classes for the PMB and O levels but if I am not mistaken, the students still have to pay for the exams fees, which to me is a big disincentive. In fact, I believe what Brunei should do is to give some incentives for these teenage parents to complete their education.
No matter how Brunei wants to do it, I strongly believe it will be worthwhile. But I implore, please do something, for the sake of the unborn babies, who are our future generation. They deserve better lives.
Salaam.
ps. When's the next session of the state legislative council? Hope to see issues such as this and unemployment be thrashed out.
Saturday, 9 June 2007
Asians vs Non-Asians
I remember a couple of months ago, my colleagues (a Thai and a Mexican) and I had a conversation about the difference between Asians and Non-Asians. It all started when I asked a question related to my research. Since none of us knew the 'real' answer, my Mexican friend told me to ask my supervisor. Then I said I would try my best to find out myself before I bring it to my supervisor. It struck me then and there the difference between Asians and non-Asians. And that is Asians seldom want to ask questions straightaway, call it shy or whatever, but that's what I usually notice (including myself, that is!). And my Thai friend agreed with me. He said there was something about our culture and the way we were taught that didn't encourage question askings.
Well I don't know about you, but I agree with my friend. I remember when I was young (during primary school) we were always told to KEEP QUIET and were never encouraged to ask questions. There was one time when I was in Primary 2 (government school) and it was Maths class. I noticed my teacher was making a mistake in his calculation. So I put up my hand and told him his mistake. I think I remember vividly that my teacher was quite embarassed and he did't even thank me for pointing the mistake! I was 8 at that time. Since then, I just kept quiet whenever I noticed any teacher made a mistake (which were quiet A LOT! including the calculation of exam marks in the report card).
Furthermore, at home, my late mom who was a very traditional malay mom, would remind us not to ask any question or interrupt any conversation, whenever our aunties and uncles came to visit us. We were also not encouraged to give our view as the idea was adults-know-better-so-children-don't-try-to-be-smart.
I guess it all boils down to our education (formal and informal). We were not trained to explore. In terms of informal education (at home), I guess there has been some improvement. Nowadays, children asking parents are no longer a taboo (well at least in my family). However, I slightly worry about our formal education (I hope I'm wrong) because I seldom got a lot of questions from my students (during my time as a lecturer at UBD a couple of years back).
For the sake of the current and certainly, the future Brunei generation, please please please improve our school teachings particularly at the primary level. Let the children ask, ponder and think for themselves!
Salaam.
Well I don't know about you, but I agree with my friend. I remember when I was young (during primary school) we were always told to KEEP QUIET and were never encouraged to ask questions. There was one time when I was in Primary 2 (government school) and it was Maths class. I noticed my teacher was making a mistake in his calculation. So I put up my hand and told him his mistake. I think I remember vividly that my teacher was quite embarassed and he did't even thank me for pointing the mistake! I was 8 at that time. Since then, I just kept quiet whenever I noticed any teacher made a mistake (which were quiet A LOT! including the calculation of exam marks in the report card).
Furthermore, at home, my late mom who was a very traditional malay mom, would remind us not to ask any question or interrupt any conversation, whenever our aunties and uncles came to visit us. We were also not encouraged to give our view as the idea was adults-know-better-so-children-don't-try-to-be-smart.
I guess it all boils down to our education (formal and informal). We were not trained to explore. In terms of informal education (at home), I guess there has been some improvement. Nowadays, children asking parents are no longer a taboo (well at least in my family). However, I slightly worry about our formal education (I hope I'm wrong) because I seldom got a lot of questions from my students (during my time as a lecturer at UBD a couple of years back).
For the sake of the current and certainly, the future Brunei generation, please please please improve our school teachings particularly at the primary level. Let the children ask, ponder and think for themselves!
Salaam.
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