THE truism that education makes a nation still holds sway, and has relevance today. Several hundred grad­uated recently from the University of Guyana, Government Technical Institute and other institutions of learning.

These figures come at a time when the state of our edu­cation system is undergoing review, given its importance to empowerment of citizens, nation building, and development. Congratulations to the graduates and their families, who have made the sacrifice in pursuit of more and/or higher learning. The society must also devise a way to retain these new skills, since the development of every nation is hinged on its human capital.

As the new graduates are welcomed to various vocations the exit–through retirement–of those possessing institutional memory and invaluable skills, should not be lost on the society. In today’s world, 55 years is considered relatively young, and many are still in the prime of their lives. It is our belief that those who desire to continue in this profession should be ac­commodated. Some may be fortunate to continue in the public system on a contractual basis; some will go into the private system; and others will be absorbed by other countries.

That is not to say that new entrants to the profession are not welcomed. Of course they are! For, in addition to wanting to contribute to nation-building through this voca­tion, they also bring new approaches to doing things, and are imbued with zeal, which augurs well for our children’s growth and development. The nation cannot, in its develop­ment pursuit, ignore these juxtaposing realities. And there comes a time when, in a nation’s growth, such can no longer be ignored or swept under the carpet.

Education is community/communal driven, and ac­cording to the African proverb, “It takes a whole village to raise a child.” The success of education is hinged on the involvement of all. The government conceptualises, devel­ops, and implements policies, programmes and laws by which the private and public school systems are bound. Teachers/educators play their role in the classroom set­ting. Parents/relatives partner with the school in ensuring the needs of students are met, and students uphold their obligations. Neighbours look out and over the children’s conduct. Civil society also plays a role through work­shops, seminars, donations and other forms of action.

This nation came from a past in which the education policy was driven by a colonial outlook of moulding and nurturing citizens to be in service to the values set by the Crown. With independence came the shift, preparing citizens for an indigenous approach consistent with our needs, growth and development. Guyana transitioned to a country in which reality was shaped and skills and abilities were developed on a local identity; events and requirements for nation-building, inclusive of awareness/knowledge of external events, like­wise informed our education system.

As the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) was es­tablished, with Guyana being a member, and later with the institutionalisation of the Caribbean Examination Council, there was standardisation of an education model suited to the developmental foci of the Region. As our students participate in the Caribbean examinations, it is being seen that, in the basic areas of competencies, we are lagging. Mastery of the English language is one area that begs for improvement, although English is Guyana’s official language.

It would not be remiss to say that, in a standardised en­vironment, where Caribbean English is built off the British system, inclusive of spelling, the jostling of American English and British Caribbean English has been challenging for our children. For example, where other Caribbean countries still retain the “s” in spelling the word organisation, in Guyana, the USA “z” is used instead in public documents and media. As simple as it may seem to some, this undermines standard­ization, since it poses a challenge for students to identify right spelling from wrong spelling; acceptable usage from unacceptable usage.

As the education system is revisited, the importance of diverse training and education of citizens to play their role in personal development and nation building should be factored in. The education of the academics, professionals, technical­ly-skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled are all important and are deserving of equal attention and respect for their labour and contribution to development. Each has a role to play, and each ought to be given the opportunity to be the best in whatever field is pursued.

Discipline is also an important element in education and development. And while conversations continue on the merits or demerits of corporal punishment in schools, suffice it to say that whatever decision is taken, it cannot be lost sight that discipline plays an important role in human development. A disciplined person is a productive person. Outside of corporal punishment, school sports play a role in instilling discipline, respect for authority, team-spiritedness, determination, and focus to achieve the goals. These influences help students to be responsible and to lead productive lives. Fixing the education system requires a holistic approach, and each must be prepared to play his/ her part.