‘Qais and Lubna

Once, in the land of Arabia, there lived a young man called Qais and a young woman called Lubna. One day, Qais went to visit some of his relatives when he passed by Lubna’s tent. He asked her for some drinking water which she gave to him. When he saw her, he immediately fell in love with her. Since then, he visited her frequently and told her about his feelings. He even requested his father to ask for her hand in marriage. Qais’s father was a rich man. He was afraid if Qais got married that his wealth would move to another family. Thus he objected to his son’s request. The father also wanted his son to marry a woman from a noble family Bereft of hope, Qais resorted to a relative of his who was a prominent religious shaikh. Since he was highly respected by all Arabs, Qais begged him to intercede with Lubna’s father on his behalf. The sheikh sympathised with him and agreed to grant his request.

When Lubna’s father saw the shaikh, he welcomed him and treated him very well. He immediately told the father about Qais’s intention of marrying Lubna. Her father told the shaikh that he would accept Qais if his father only came and proposed to Lubna in person which was the Arab tradition at that time. Moreover, he was afraid to marry his daughter to a rich man against his father’s will. In a bid to reach mutual agreement, the shaikh talked to Qais’s father and persuaded him to accompany his son and propose to Lubna. With the acceptance of Lubna’s father, the two young lovers were pronounced husband and wife. For them, marriage was a perfect closure of a whirlwind love story.

However, one day things changed for the worse. Lubna turned out to be barren. So with the absence of a male heir, the father’s wealth was now in danger. Qais’s parents urged their son to marry another woman, but despite mounting pressure, Qais remained adamant. The father was furious and decided to evict his son. Qais found himself between a rock and a hard place. Being apart from Lubna was tantamount to death and disobeying his parents was deemed a sin. Qais and Lubna made a vow to remain loyal to each other no matter what happened. However, in the end parental influence had the upper hand. Once she was divorced, Lubna returned to her home. As for Qais, he cried bitterly day and night. He even married another woman to banish Lubna from his mind. When Lubna heard the news, she also remarried.

Qais lamented the loss of Lubna in his poetry until he became the talk of the town, In the daytime, I pretend to forget Lubna But at night I remember her with sorrow Oh Lubna, no one can extract you from my heart As no one can remove the fingers from a hand In the end, Lubna’s despondency resulted in her premature demise. When Qais heard of her death, his heart was full of sorrow. He kept crying over her grave until he became blind. After three days, Qais also died and was buried beside Lubna. Thus the curtain was brought down on this tragic saga.

(The writer may be contacted at: abdalharthy@hotmail.com)

TOP

A few crowded hours of glory

The renowned poet Sir Walter Scott wrote: One crowded hour of glorious life is worth an age without a name. The life of an ordinary Greek water carrier who covered himself in glory and brought infinite pride and joy to a whole nation by his once-in-a life time feat, is an outstanding illustration of this truth. Spyridon “Spyros” Louis was the sporting hero who won the gruelling and prestigious marathon race at the first modern Summer Olympic Games held in Athens in 1896.

Louis was born into a poor farmer’s family on this very day in 1873 in the town of Marousi, now a suburb of Athens. Louis’s father sold mineral water in Athens, which at the time lacked a proper central water supply. As a young man, Louis helped his father transport it. This turned out to be a kind of daily endurance training that was to help him in future. But for this, he was a very simple and modest person and had nothing to do with any formal sports.

The setting that brought Spyridon glory is worth looking at. When the first ever modern Olympic Games were planned, one of the races visualised was the Marathon race. The idea was the brain child of a French historian and linguist Michele Breal. It was enthusiastically accepted by Baron Pierre de Coubertin, the father of the modern Olympics, as well as the organisers of the Athens Games. The concept was in fact inspired by the legend surrounding Phidippides, who had run from the town of Marathon to Athens to carry the historic news of a remarkable Athenian victory over the mighty Persians in the Battle of Marathon.

The large Persian army had landed on the plains of Marathon just outside of Athens in order to attack it. The small Athenian army sought the assistance of Sparta by sending a military runner Phidippides who covered the 140 miles stretch in abut 36 hours. But he had to run back without any good news. Then in a bold and risky move, the Athenians mounted a sudden offensive and routed the Persians at Marathon. Phidippides was once again called upon to run to Athens (26 miles away) to carry the news of the unexpected victory.

Despite extreme fatigue, Phidippides accepted the stupendous task. Pushing himself beyond normal limits of human endurance, he reached Athens in about 3 hours, delivered his message of ‘Nike’ (victory) and is said to have collapsed and died soon after. Thus the marathon race that captures the essence of that brave run soon stirred the imagination of the Greeks. Under the guidance of an army colonel, Papadiamantopoulos, selection trials were organised to choose a good team of Greek runners and Loius was one of them.

The historic Olympic marathon commenced from the Marathon Bridge around 2 pm on Friday, April 10, 1896 with a field of seventeen runners — thirteen athletes from Greece and four experienced runners representing other nations. The public desperately yearned for a Greek winner since the nation had not done well in other events. The runners were escorted by officials and doctors riding bicycles and in horse-drawn wagons. (No motorcycles, cars and television trucks we see today!).

The early leader was the Frenchman Albin Lermusiaux. But after 32 km, he gave up in extreme exhaustion. The next leader was the Australian athlete Edwin Flack, who had already won the 800 and 1500m races. But he too collapsed after a few more kilometres. Louis who was close behind, now led the race. When this news reached the spectators thronging the Olympic stadium, they were thrilled. When Louis finally entered the stadium, the Greek Crown Prince Constantine and Prince George — rushed to meet him and accompanied him on his final lap. He finished with a creditable time of 2:58:50.

Wild celebrations followed the heartwarming triumph. The King rose from his seat and congratulated him. Many officials and other VIPs kissed and embraced Louis. The king is said to have offered Louis any gift he wished for. All Louis wanted was a donkey-drawn carriage to help him carry on his water-transporting business! The awards were given away a few days later. The winner of each event received an olive branch and a silver medal. No gold medals were awarded at these Games. But in addition to these, Louis received a silver cup donated by Michel Bréal and an antique vase given by Ionnis Lambros.

Louis returned to his hometown to lead a quite life and never took to competitive running again. He did not benefit monetarily the way modern stars do. His brief moment of glory thereafter came in 1936, when he was invited to the Berlin Summer Olympics as a guest of honour. He had the privilege of being the standard bearer of the Greek team at the Opening ceremonies and was received by Adolf Hitler who offered him an olive branch from Olympia, as a symbol of peace.

Today, the memory of his singular feat is kept alive by the main stadium at the Athens Olympic Sports Complex and many sports clubs named after him and a statue in his home town. The Marathon race remains one of the most demanding yet popular races in athletics. The original legend of Phidippides and the feat of the first ever modern Olympic winner of the race — Spyridon ‘Spyros’ Louis — will be remembered with awe as long as this race that tests the limits of human endurance and determination is staged anywhere in the world.

TOP

The comedian at the office

Last weekend I decided to stay at home after a very busy week at the office. I read an article that talked about how laughing prolongs one’s lifetime. I forced myself in doing it so that I can benefit from the theory. I immediately cut myself short lest junior and his sister think that their father has gone bonkers. But at the office I don’t have to force myself. We have one colleague who seems to have a living aspiration to entertain members of any audience, primarily to make them laugh.

The moment I see this colleague of ours, I start to laugh. “Guess what happened yesterday?” he asks as people eagerly listen. The look on everyone’s face does little to hide the expectation; that of a funny story. Every time he opens his mouth, he is sure to get a number of eager listeners. It does not matter whether his stories are true or false, what matters is the fact that he makes us laugh especially after a hard day at work.

This fellow is much loved at the office because of his ability to get a laugh out of everyone irrespective of their position in the office. Indeed the ability to make people laugh is a God-given talent. It is good to have someone who will always put a smile on people’s faces. At times work can also be stressing and hence a joke or two can be welcome to create a jubilant atmosphere. Stress can lead to decline in performance but if staff are cheerful, they tend to produce good results. It is not good for everyone to be serious or have that stressing look on them. An office comedian creates a feel good atmosphere in the office.

To some people, one can be a real joker, while others might see him as one who merely wastes valuable time. Some would say that office comedians have revolutionised how much we can accomplish in a day’s work. That may be true, but they have also revolutionised how much time can be wasted in a day. But then again, I would contend that if you are having fun, you are not wasting time. Enjoy your office comedian actions but don't blame me if you don't get anything done for the next few weeks! My only concern would be if this person is using his role as a comedian to cover up for his poor performance.

Take for example this cousin of my neighbour’s aunt. The man is an expert comedian and the boss does not really look into his performance contract and yes he does get a good performance bonus year after year. It is good to have a comedian around the workplace in order to lift people’s spirits but these comedians must also know the limit of the jokes. It makes no sense for one to tell jokes during peak working hours. The secret lies in knowing the good times for jokes. Jokes should be told during breaks or hours that do not need high level of concentration. An office comedian is good only if he/she does not dwell on sensitive issues.

It is barbaric and in fact disgusting if one uses jokes in the name of being funny to hurt people’s feelings. Imagine a joke based on religion, race or culture. Such jokes can offend a person. Personal integrity and respect for people should be maintained at all times. A joke must be told at the right time, right place and the right way. Only then will it make people laugh or at least smile.

TOP

People do (not) change!

With just a few more coins in our pockets, you will find that most people do change! For the worse — and not for the better! I have said many times in this column and in my books too — the fabric that bites your skin sometimes can be the same one that you are wearing on yourself. Supposed to cover and protect you, but it is the same one that is biting you now! This goes too to those supposed to protect and preserve you as being near you like your own family, relatives and friends — but sometimes they can be more deadly, dangerous, damaging and hurtful to you in particular. The question then becomes — who needs enemies when you can have such people around you?

M — You Have Changed! — I have to admit this — the shock that I got more from the collapse of my consultancy business from a slow death to finally kicking the bucket was this statement from a family member. This relative was saying to me — In a way it was better this way — because you were starting to change to be a ‘worse-off’ person — because you were becoming proud, pompous, arrogant, condescending, demeaning — and very sarcastic and patronizing! So I started arguing with him to prove to me what I did that made him think like this? He said to me — you now have more baisas in your dishdashas, drive a bigger car and have a company now — and this has gone to your head! You are behaving badly — and not the person that I used to know before — quite feeling, touching and caring type of person. God was protecting you from yourself — so to speak — as he rubbed the salt into the wound!

After seeing the disbelief (shock and awe!) in my eyes — he then went on to tell me about this particular incident when some youngsters in a small sports car had cut in front of my 4-wheeler — and I had braked sharply and had screamed — ‘get out of my way — or I will knock you down — you all in that small car. The last statement — he said to me — said it all! I said I was angry — and that did not mean anything big — and he retorted — I beg to differ but it meant everything! At least to me — he added. As we were going to a funeral condolence gathering and there was still a long way to go, and return with him — I went silent. But it did get me into serious thinking, deep self-analysis and soul-searching mode for quite a while! My mind was jostling with me whether what he was saying to me was the truth — or he was just a jealous and envious person — and was happy ‘bad things’ had finally happened to me — and he just wanted to have a parting shot at me! The important thing is — you cannot stop people to have an opinion and what they think about you!

Mr Angry — The Inheritance. If you are an avid, fervent and keen reader of my column, you will no doubt do remember Mr Angry? And how we finally had made peace and harmony? This time Mr Angry looked very withdrawn and very sad. His eyes betrayed him. He was hardly smiling as I was greeting him — and normally after ‘we made up’ he would hug me and kiss me on both cheeks (this thing I always hate). Thankfully this time he was No Taker! So I tease him — what gives? He used to hate such a question before — it used to set him off — and he used to retort — Are you now Bugs Bunny by asking such a question like What’s up Doc? This time he is just smiling!

He then tells me of the death of his brother in East Africa — and the fights between the departed children for a meager amount. I ask him how much? He ignores me — that is not important really — whatever the amount, small or big — it just should not happen — it is sad, tragic and pathetic that after their father had died there was a split and parting of ways of the children — and the whole family was splitting and being torn at its very fabric and foundation.

The greatest shock he got was at the airport when his niece said to him rather bluntly — Uncle — Do not come here and now claim anything for yourself — you simply have no rights with us! He wanted to correct her that he had helped to build their late father up to where he was now — but thought better of it. It would only make bad things already turn more sour, bitter and bad. He added — My late brother was a good man — he deserved better than this — but you never know your children really till you have died! It is too late then! The Great King Alexander’s Three Death Wishes — After conquering many kingdoms — was returning home. On the way, he fell ill and he was bedridden for months. With death drawing close, Alexander realised how his conquests — his great army — his sharp sword and all his wealth were of no use to him now.

He called all his Generals and said — I will depart from the world soon. But I have three wishes. Please fulfil my wishes without fail. With tears flowing down their cheeks, the Generals agreed to abide by their King’s last wishes My first desire is that — said Alexander — my physicians alone must carry my coffin. Secondly — when my coffin is being carried to the grave — the path leading to the graveyard should be strewn with gold, silver and precious stones which I have collected in my treasury. My third and last wish is that both my hands should be kept dangling out of my coffin.

The people that had gathered there wondered at the King’s strange wishes. But no one dared to question; Alexander’s favourite general kissed his hand and pressed them to his heart. O King — we assure you that your wishes will all be fulfilled. But tell us why do you make such strange wishes? At this Alexander took a deep breath and said — I would like the World to know of Three Lessons I have just learnt. I want my Physicians to carry my coffin because people should realise that no Doctor can really cure anybody. They are powerless and cannot save a person from the clutches of Death. So let not people take life for granted.

The Second Wish of strewing gold, silver and other riches on the way to the graveyard is to tell people that that not even a fraction of gold can be taken by me. Let people realise that it is a sheer waste of time to chase wealth. And about my Third Wish of having my hands dangling out of the coffin — I want people to know that I came empty handed into this world — and empty handed I go out of this world. Alexander’s last words — Bury my body — do not build any monument for me — keep my hands outside so that the world knows the person who conquered the world had nothing in his hands when dying… Take Care!

TOP

Wary of too much too soon

Although the Sultanate of Oman has come a long way in economic and social development many of the age-old customs and traditions of the country remain undiluted. Here, the history and geography of the country are able to communicate with each other, consistently maintaining its majestic pride. It bears veritable testimony to the fact that progress need not dissolve the identity of a place! As the world is in a state of flux, change is inevitable and progress is definitely a possibility. Yet, the realm of possibility exists in our outlook. A mild change in our attitude could be brought about by viewing things from a higher and more detached perspective. In other words, our faculties need to be in tact while we move on.

Even as moving ahead is certainly a necessity, it is also crucial to monitor ourselves from spiralling out of control. Or else, the shock would thrash our confidence. Because progress does not essentially mean getting ahead of the others; it means getting ahead of ourselves! An unwise move means being hit by an unbearable force due to the staggering magnitude of a hasty consequence! For, instant solutions cannot always be expected when the real world itself is abundant with misty ambiguities.

The pace at which we allow our progress also counts. Here, a steady willpower to improve cannot be equated with overvaulting ambition. Many of today’s survivors in the present global economic arena were once criticised for not being fast enough, for not amassing too much too soon, for not leaping forward with strides that threw a film of dust over their cultural heritage! With the global crises posing a threat to the welfare of consumers and businesses, some faced a potentially disastrous downfall as a result of too much too soon! Moreover, man sometimes forgets to maintain his dedication to observing whether the growing businesses and dealerships are environmentally sensitive or not.

Indeed, mystical Oman being a land of hidden treasures cannot afford to overlook any of its vital and quintessential aspects. The impressive and stately forts here tell a lot of stories about the history of Oman. The age-old Falaj way of life can be seen in all its traditional beauty even today. The natural beauty abounds with misty mountains, cascades, springs and waterfalls which includes such spots as the hot springs, which can be considered as health resorts too. The frankincense trees, the gift of Dhofar, have no equal anywhere in the world! The mysterious scent from these trees etched many map routes to far off lands. Frankincense brought Oman in contact with the world’s greatest and oldest civilisations just by its scent. Dhofar would still smell as sweet for endless years to come.

There are lots of tourists who, rather than set foot on developed areas, would go for innocent communion with nature. The fjord-like cliffs of Musandam that sometimes appear hostile, and the strange rock formations contribute to the geographical excellence, which are steadfast enough to face any kind of development or modernisation! Dr N Gopalakrishnan, renowned scientist and who, along with a few others, founded the Indian Institute of Scientific Heritage has visited Oman several times. Greatly impressed by what he saw in the Sultanate, he said, “To save a country there should be a scientific analysis of the physiologically useful traditions, the psychological aspects of the country, its family integration and social binding, all which lead to national integration. And, a country so consistently committed to the preservation of cultural heritage is bound to succeed in its line of interest.”

Scientific progress today is faster than ever before. This progress is reflected not only by the many discoveries made each year but also by the thousands of scientists involved in research work. Many more great personalities are highly impressed by Oman’s attitude towards traditions and cultural heritage. The Sultanate’s comprehensive idea of progress for the country and people, man or woman reflects the truth that a progressive idea is made up of the head as well as the heart!

Each culture has some type of scientific knowledge and its own ways of family relationships and system of kinship. Cherishing old values this way is not a simple matter. Oman’s souqs still retain their old identity. They are an integral part of the day to day life of towns and villages throughout the country. Cultural influences help unify a society and regulate its social life. Folklore music, traditional dances and other art forms extend their touch of reality to the cultural legacy of a nation. A scientific analyses and study of the cultural bases provide a common foundation of communication and understanding. Indeed, the Sultanate of Oman has been wary of those factors that tend to overshadow the identity of a country, thereby proving its capability as an exemplary supporter of conservation and a protector of environment!

TOP

All you wanted to know about the Apple iPad

The launch of iPad, a tablet computer from Apple, on January 27 and the launch of HP Slate on January 7 raise our curiosity as to what their specifications and capabilities are. Digital Oman begins your journey by understanding the concept of touch-sensitive tablet computers and how such new devices cater to our user needs and wants.

Tablet PC
Tablet PCs are slate-shaped electronic devices enriching user-interface with a full-sized touch-sensitive screen, which is also enabled for stylus-based inputs. These slate models may optionally have external keyboards to enable input via USB or wireless connections. With a larger screen area, multi-touch sensitivity and higher processing power than mobile devices make tablet PCs attractive for various applications such as e-reading, healthcare applications, gaming, creative and other on-the-field applications areas.

Tablet PCs differ from netbooks. They are miniature laptops but with far less processing power, but with no dedicated keyboard or full-sized touch-sensitive screen. They are also very different from e-book readers that they are capable of doing much more than mere e-book display reader applications.

Apple’s iPad
Apple’s iPad is the latest entrant into tablets market, flaunting a 9.7-inch backlit-LED screen, weighing a mere 0.68 kg (Wi-Fi model) or 0.73 kg (Wi-Fi + 3G model) and just 0.5 inches thick. Its battery lasts for over 10hrs of heavy duty application use and much longer for lighter apps such as listening to music. With much more capabilities such as games, music, video and books, Apples’ iPad is far more than an e-reader and a stripped down version of a netbook. Apple iPad has been primarily conceived by design to accommodate media in all forms including text, image, audio and video. The iPad also sports a speaker, microphone, accelerometers, ambient light sensors and a 30-pin connector for attaching this device to computers.

Pricing versus features
When the entire industry looked forward to iPad to cost under $1,000, the current 16GB memory model with just Wi-Fi connectivity is priced around $499 (RO 192). Later versions arriving in March 2010 with 64GB memory and 3G connectivity are priced at $829 (RO 320). The Wi-Fi model will also be available in 32GB model for $599 and a 64GB model for $699. The Wi-Fi + 3G iPad model will be unlocked to work on any other mobile carrier that supports GSM micro-SIMs. The iPad has been envisaged to handle media in all forms including text, image, audio and video (including High Definition), fully utilising the power of its A4 SOC (System-on-a-Chip) running at 1GHz.

The iPad comes with Bluetooth2.1 to connect devices like wireless headphones or Apple Wireless Keyboard, both not part of the basic package. A recent update of the Software Development Kit for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad Apps ensures the ability for developers to create VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) web-based telephony that utilises cellular networks. Native apps of iPad include the calendar, contacts, maps, notes, spotlight search, iPod, iTune, iBooks and appStore. The Home Screen is the launch pad for everything on iPad and it can be customised with third party apps or websites.

Apple’s iWork productivity suite which is available on the iPad consisting of word processor, spreadsheet and presentation software are priced at $9.99 each. The iPad works on iPhone OS ensuring that over 140,000 applications ranging from productivity to gaming run flawlessly on the iPad, only making them much more enjoyable. To import photos into an iPad, sync them from a computer, download them from an email, or import them directly from a camera using the optional Camera Connection Kit.

E-Book application
One of the most expected killer applications for any tablet PCs is the e-book reader to display books in a comfortably readable font size while allowing natural page flipping gestures, permitting annotations. Using iPad’s iBook application, one can buy and read books comfortably.

Multimedia excitement
Initial user reactions have been quite positive about the use of iPad for viewing photographs or watching videos. All built-in applications on iPad are designed to take advantage of the large Multi-Touch screen with video quality 1024x768 pixel resolution. iPhone games when tested on iPad have been rendered impressively, more ergonomic with the 9.7 inch display and a good viewing angle. The A4 chip of the iPad supports HD quality videos from YouTube or user-created ones that can be synchronised from a personal computer. All features to organise, choose, search and favourite music in an iPod are available on iPad too, ensuring continued user experience.

Missing elements
Beyond all excitement, even ardent Apple customers who are willing to pay a higher price, miss certain essential features in the iPad. The capability to multitask is essential to any modern day user who attends essential core tasks while enjoying some form of media content. Even users who use the iPad to browse the web and consume media, will miss running a few apps in the background. Missing modern day mobile enhancements such as the built-in camera and a USB port is also making a few more faces frown. Even if it’s ok to miss a still or a video camera, iPad certainly misses on a built-in web camera to enhance web-user experience with videophone. As of now iPad doesn’t support GPS either via Wi-Fi or 3G, limiting its application to indoor rather mobile on-the-road gadget like the iPhone or the Mac.

Foretelling future
The true test of iPod is when its capabilities are put to use by third-party developers who were scouting for a portable yet more capable version of the famed iPhone. Again the popover box menu of choices, increased user interface possibilities with enhanced hold and drag motions and other gestures on a larger screen are mere potentials of the iPad waiting to be exploited by developers who makes apps mature into applications. Yet another significant impact could happen in the publishing industry when one can read books or magazines or even newspapers just as in Harry Potter’s Daily Prophet where the pictures and video elements are embedded. Imagine reading about Roger Federer winning his Australian Open title and also being able to click on the image link and watch highlights on video.

To buy or not to buy
If you want to use iPad only as an e-reader, you are better off with dedicated e-readers. For those who use iPhone and cameras, you may get more from an iPad in terms of photo manipulations and video watching and book reading too. Users who look for cool user experience and a rich array of applications, have made the decision to buy more as a want than a need. Readers can watch a video at http://www.apple.com/ipad/ipad-video while developers can download the SDK (Software Development Kit) at http://www.apple.com/ipad/sdk. And all those prudent readers who are looking for feature rich tablet PCs other than iPad visit http://tinyurl.com/yase9c7.

TOP

Value-based curriculum

WHEN Zindagi Trust Founder, Shehzad Roy, visited US schools last month so he could bring back best practices to govt shools in Pakistan, I raised an eyebrow. “The US has some great schools but you should be looking to schools in India and Finland ( the latter has the best school system in the world)”, I wanted to say. After all, US public schools are notorious for poor performance.

As US delegations visiting Indian schools to learn what makes them so successful have found, good grades there is as much about a demanding curriculum as it about respect towards teachers and adults. It is also as much about India’s general attitude towards education itself. For better or for worse, in India, our badge of honour are our degrees and our performance, academically.

It is not the responsibility of a public school system to instill a value system. That is the responsibility of parents. And so goes the debate here. Having been to school both in India and Dubai, I would agree that my schools didn’t really actively instill values other than those to do with not cheating. How we behaved was commonly accepted, and expected, by all — teachers, parents, any and every adult. One respected one’s teachers and one’s classmates. We were expected to be courteous to all, honest and respectful. It came without saying.

But cultures differ and one size doesn’t fit all countries. In the USA, schools often have no choice but to make actively instilling values a part and parcel of the curriculum. It is even more urgent when children don’t have the right values to emulate at home.

At the Harold Washington School in Chicago, teachers and administration struggled with students’ low grades, absenteeism and tardiness. As educators, they knew reseach showed that when parents are involved, that’s when students perform the best. The Principal came up with the idea of a Parent’s Report Card. Now, not only would students receive grades, but parents would too.

They’d be graded on whether their child did his or her homework, whether the parent attended required meetings with the teacher, and whether parents signed the assignment book that went home each night. Parents were even graded on the number of hours they volunteered at school.

The idea initially met with resistance, but soon, both parents and their children were competing for coveted A’s and B’s. The parents who did the best were honored with a “graduation ceremony” at the end of the year. Not only did this programme go a long way in instilling the right values amongst students, it taught parents what the expectations were. Student grades improved, and parents “learned” how to be better role models.

The Academy for Urban School Leadership (AUSL), also in Chicago, was created in response to the high turnover amongst teachers in inner city schools in neighbourhoods with high instances of crime and poverty. Teachers cited student behaviour and discipline issues as the root of the problem.

The academy created a new curriculum which trained teachers not only about academics but the most effective ways to instill the values conducive to success at school, amongst students who didn’t receive this guidance any where else. The importance of homework and how it connected to successful learning habits and working habits were stressed on. Teachers were taught how to make students understand the value of being punctual or honest.

Teachers were also taught to overcome advice that students may have recieved at home, that mocked the value of suceeding at school. AUSL recognised that often students received the right kind of guidance only in school. If students were to perform better, they had to be taught how to value an education, first.

The training does seem to pay off, because AUSL trained teachers last longer in jobs than do other public schoolteachers in inner cities. Student grades surely must have picked up too. Should the instilling of values be left completely to the teacher? Absolutely not. If that were the case, they would never have time for academics nor sports, music or art.

Further, the values being taught should be formulaic rather than left to the individual discretion of the educator. For instance, if a teacher brings in examples or teachings from scripture into the classroom, it could lead to issues between her and the parents. A uniform code of conduct and value system, makes for fewer chances of discord between parents and children.

Taught early, values become the foundation for future, and even greater contributions. Parents do contribute to their children’s productive participation in these programme. All children look up to their teachers and having a role model like that involved, does take the learning process further.

To be effective at school in the USA, it seems that instilling a value system should be a shared responsibility between parent and child. The process requires inter-dependence. A child with the right set of values will contribute to the over all sense of order in a class. Each child becomes a role model for her classmates to emulate. Teamwork produces better results. After all, T.E.A.M is nothing less than Together Everyone Acheives More.

TOP