Teaching human rights in schools
While our Constitution might contain several controversial points on the basis of religious rights and freedoms for some groups, this step can be seen as a start towards developing a prejudice-free society. Providing examples of the injustices committed on discriminatory bases towards innocent people of various groups in society will, hopefully, open the minds of our youth and transform them into tolerating individuals as they enter adulthood. Perhaps, through this education, our young generation will understand that all humans should be treated as humans first. Now that the government has focused its attention on state-run school curricula, maybe it can also work on rewriting discriminatory textbook passages such as those passing judgment on countries with which Pakistan has had a turbulent history, like India. The actions of a people from the past should not be used to judge a newer generation and hatred and prejudice should be excised.
We hope to see a nationwide change in school curricula across Pakistan, not just in Sindh but reaching to the far extents of Fata, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Kashmir. Responsible departments should really take control of the school curricula and education system in helping students view matters of academic importance objectively. In this regard, teachers must also be trained so as not to impress their personal beliefs on students. Their goal should be to train students to form their own informed opinions on matters of religion, politics and morality. We hope to see updates on this issue with the petition being pushed forward so that one day, we may see a tolerant Pakistan.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 9th, 2012.
COMMENTS (10)
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@wonderer: Mention the reference. I can explain you the real and true interpretation.
@Z.Khan:
You are right Sir, in what you say. But does Qura'n not ask its followers to kill Kaffirs???
@wonderer: Killing of any human being merely on the baiss of faith or belief is not allowed in Quran or Hadith. This simple fact has to be taught to all. Simple is that if there is a will, courage to ensure absolute justice for all segments of the society.
@Its (still) Econonmy Stupid:
You seem to know a lot Sir. Do you have an answer to a question I posted in the morning? (reproduced below in bold type.)
How do we teach children that killing of even Kaffirs is not Islamic?
Look who is talking human rights. Why not start cleaning up from the top. Amend the constitution and struck down any legal reference to define who is muslim or not. Leave it to religious bodies and offer equal protection to all religious sect. then make changes to the text book and educate them that according to our constitution-----
"We hope to see a nationwide change in school curricula across Pakistan, not just in Sindh but reaching to the far extents of Fata, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Kashmir. Responsible departments should really take control of the school curricula and education system in helping students view matters of academic importance objectively. In this regard, teachers must also be trained so as not to impress their personal beliefs on students. Their goal should be to train students to form their own informed opinions on matters of religion, politics and morality. We hope to see updates on this issue with the petition being pushed forward so that one day, we may see a tolerant Pakistan" Well opined. A very good move be pushed with full force for follow up and implementation. Why Punjab excluded here lies the major problem? Similarly some built in systme to be evolved to automatically check teachers trying to impose upon their own ideas or interpretations. Earnest wish and pray for the success. God may help such good thinkers and well wishers of Pakistan
A great idea but the time may have already passed now. Our education and upbringing is based upon "only we are right all others are wrong" and it must be reversed. We are all equal human beings and nobody is better or worse. The law of the land is superior not the religious belief.
".... we may see a tolerant Pakistan."
How do we teach children that killing of even Kaffirs is not Islamic?
It shd also educate them on ethical and religios harmony. Other provinces to piggy back it
This is an excellent idea and must be commended. Human Rights must be valued and for this the young generation must be taught tolerance. Speedy reforms in the school curriculum should be included to excise hate material against any community, religion and country. Once the kids are put on the right path it is much easier to shape and mold them as responsible citizens.