OPINION
It’s not just me; almost everyone has grown up seeing people in their surroundings to be influenced by the West. People are quite moved by the idea of the “American Dream”, which refers to improving lifestyle no matter who you are. In a bid to become what we are not, we have forgotten that in few areas, Pakistanis leap ahead.
Talking specifically about education in the East, students are held responsible for their academic success. If a student doesn’t have a particular skill, it doesn’t mean he/she is incapable; “time”, “endeavour” and “practice” are yardsticks of academic achievements.
“There is a huge difference between the education systems of the West and the East,” stated Sumaira Ahmed, a resident of the USA. “I remember in Pakistan - when I was in school - we used to get a lot of writing assignments for every subject. In this way, we would take interest in education. On the contrary, my kids attend Google classrooms and do everything online. Writing has been eliminated which makes me feel sad. I have bought them different practice books but have to push them to solve extra exercises for their practice. I really miss those things from Pakistan.”
Rabia Khan, a former Pakistani school teacher and currently a Canadian resident shared, “Back in the days when I used to teach, I observed that parents spent a lot on their child’s education. The serious attitude towards studies eventually helps individuals professionally. People here are often surprised to know that my schooling is from Pakistan and yet I can speak fluently and work competitively with Canadians. I also get this compliment from my management and clients telling me that for a newcomer, I am doing great here. You see, people who emigrate spend the first few years learning and practising basic English language skills. So this really shows that indeed my schooling was up to the mark.”
Respecting teachers is another important element which helps our children stay connected to learning. Confucian and Buddhist traditions admire teachers and teaching. Despite the lack of respect for teachers in various countries due to globalization, teachers still hold an important place in Asian countries, including Pakistan.
“In the West, if a teacher scolds a child, parents go to any length to make the teacher apologize to them and their child. When I was a student, I was also scolded by my teachers, and my parents found it completely normal,” Sumaira added.
Pakistani students work hard and carve themselves into talented beings; the values imparted by our education system fuel their competitive spirit and motivate them to be successful in life.
