‘Shadow education in spotlight’ – a response

As an educational consultant, I was happy to read your editorial of 28 Nov., 2024 titled, “Shadow Education in Spotlight”. I wrote an article in The Island a few years ago, which dealt with some of the same problems you have mentioned in this editorial with regard to private tuition. As a retired teacher and teacher trainer, I agree wholeheartedly with your statement,

“At this early juncture, the new administration may not be able to reveal how it will handle issues concerning private tuition, but it will have to treat them as a high-priority policy concern and act accordingly.”

To quote from my “Open Letter to Educators in Sri Lanka”, published in your newspaper of Monday, May 27, 2019, I brought up some similar important factors:

* We need to reform the culture of “tuition” and find ways of addressing the needs of children who may need some extra guidance. This must be incorporated into the school day without attaching a stigma to it. Retired individuals of many disciplines could be utilized to help children with their academic skills and a broader outlook on life. Inter- generational projects for coaching children within the school day could be of much value to children, teachers and the school community.

*Educators should be open to discussion and improvement of their own skills. Self-reflection is a great tool for all teachers. Are we doing all we can to make sure our children are fully prepared for the 21^st century and all its complex problems? Do we provide an education that goes beyond the three R s in a constantly shrinking world? Is education only for individuals? Or are we preparing students to be world citizens who care for their whole nation and beyond.

* Finally, education should be about the social structure of humanity. What do students learn about the interconnectedness of people and their stewardship of the environment? How do we as adults encourage and implement programs that include community service?

I am encouraged by the appointment of the new Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya as the Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education. We also need the services of

other educators and volunteers to support her work.

Finally, I agree with your statement:

“The President can render a bigger service by giving the public education sector a radical shake-up and ensuring that schools provide a better education so that students will be less dependent on unregulated private supplementary coaching, which takes a heavy toll on their physical and mental wellbeing and aggravates their parents’ pecuniary woes.”

Again, thank you for a timely and excellent editorial!

Chandra Fernando
Educational Consultant