Towards a more enlightened generation

There are some in the country who are grumbling about changes introduced to elementary class manuals.

The Ministry of Education deemed, and rightly so, that some changes had to be introduce in the manuals if pupils’ horizon was to be expanded and if they are to be exposed to contemporary, and enlightened, values and perspectives.

This entailed adjustment of some images and language used in classroom books in a way that gives children a healthier representation of life as it is today and instil in them important values like tolerance, inclusiveness, pluralism.

If anything, there are also those who consider that changes were not enough.

Those who jumped on the bandwagon of protesters, in many cases not even aware what they were objecting to, also jumped to the false conclusion that the government wants to stop teaching religion in schools.

Nothing can be farther from the truth. 

What these people need to understand is that teaching religion, as one of the many subjects that make well-rounded people at the end of the teaching cycle, is one thing, and introducing contemporary educational techniques is an absolute necessity if they want their children to step into the outside world — which has reached the 21st century, by the way — equipped with wisdom, understanding, and survivor and adaptation skills. 

Islam is the religion of the state, and nothing will change that. As such, teaching Islam deserves to be pursued in classrooms, with knowledgeable teachers and under proper supervision, but it should not be mixed with other educational pursuits.

Jordan is not only a Muslim nation but also a modern state that wants its students, especially the very young, to view life in a proper context.

Teaching children toilette etiquette for example — like the need to leave the place clean for the next user or wash their hands after using it — does not go against religion, but instils a much more useful skill and courteous behaviour than asking them to utter certain prayers.

Cleanliness is godliness, after all.

People who complain about the changes that are intended to make their children better and more in tune with the times are short sighted and ill intended. 

Changes to schoolbooks and curricula are much overdue and what was done is still not enough. 

Instead of complaining about the efforts to modernise the country and help its citizens keep pace with the fast-advancing world, citizens, if not commend the efforts of the Ministry of Education could at least present a documented and justified list of suggestions and/or objections.

The government should not succumb to misguided pressure and continue on the path that aims at bringing our schools and teaching methods up to date. 

Officials did not invent the wheel when they decided to delete anything that could be perceived as incitement to hate or sedition or terrorism.

Article 20 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which is legally binding on the country, stipulates that “any propaganda for war shall be prohibited by law” and that “any advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination or hostility or violence shall be prohibited by law” as well. 

The intention of the Ministry of Education is to free the minds and souls of the very young from traces of hatred, intolerance or extremism.

That cannot be bad!