Education must prepare children for life: Sakeena Itoo

Srinagar, Oct 2: Education Minister Sakeena Itoo Friday said the education system must prepare children not merely to secure jobs or score good marks in examinations, but to face life with confidence, responsibility, practical knowledge and strong values.
Addressing a gathering at the SKICC here in connection with the Gandhi Jayanti commemorative event, Sakeena Itoo said that the occasion was not merely about remembering a great personality but also an opportunity to reflect on how Gandhi’s principles could be strengthened in contemporary life.
She said Gandhi’s philosophy was not limited to knowledge from books, but was aimed at creating responsible human beings who could improve their character, thinking and conduct.
In today’s rapidly changing world, it is not enough to simply impart information to our children. We have to develop practical knowledge, critical thinking and creativity in them, she said.
The Minister said new technologies and changing circumstances were creating new opportunities as well as challenges, making it necessary for students to learn how to understand situations, ask questions, solve problems and acquire new skills.
She said the objective of education should not be restricted to helping students obtain a job, but should also be to develop confidence, responsibility and social consciousness. We have to prepare a generation that can adapt itself to changing circumstances and continuously improve, she said.
Itoo said educational institutions should provide greater exposure to practical subjects and skills, particularly in areas such as agriculture, health, technology and other fields connected with everyday life and employment opportunities.
She said Jammu and Kashmir has a rich tradition in art, literature, culture and spirituality, and modern education must be integrated with technology and new skills while ensuring that students continue to respect their cultural roots and traditions.
The Minister stressed that Gandhi’s message of mutual respect and tolerance must also become part of education, saying schools should be spaces where children learn to listen to one another and understand that a difference of opinion does not mean enmity.
She said the education system can succeed only when teachers are empowered and adequately trained.
A good teacher does not merely teach a book; a good teacher can teach students how to think and inspire them, minister Itoo said, stressing the need to equip teachers with modern training, technology and contemporary teaching methods while also valuing their experience.
She said teachers should serve as role models for students and should themselves remain willing to learn, adding that both teachers and students can learn from one another.
Addressing students, Itoo said knowledge, skills and technology must be used responsibly and for the service of humanity. She urged students to respect their parents, teachers and every individual irrespective of their background, remain committed to truth, tolerate differences and understand the perspectives of others.
Your success should not be measured only by the marks you secure in examinations. True success is when you are able to use your character and knowledge constructively in your life, she said.
The Minister said efforts must continue to strengthen the education system so that every child gets access to basic education and opportunities to progress, including children living in remote and far-flung areas. She called for providing students in distant areas with opportunities and quality educational facilities comparable to those available in larger cities.
Itoo said Gandhi’s ideals should not remain confined to commemorative occasions, but should become part of children’s everyday lives. She called for classrooms that promote knowledge, respect, creativity and innovation, saying students should be prepared not merely for examinations but for life.
The Jammu and Kashmir education minister said educational institutions must nurture students who can build a better future through their own efforts, thoughts and values, adding that collective efforts were needed to realise Gandhi’s vision. (KNS)