Let’s change our system of education

The issue of school fees is of great concern ( FNC to call for limits on rises in school fees, Apil 10).

Great concern because it seems no one wants to talk about the elephant in the room. The reason why schools here are so expensive is because the cost of land and buildings is exorbitant, let alone facilities. It’s true that some land has been allocated to schools, but it is mostly for government schools and far away from the city.

Moreover most schools are seen as businesses, so why shouldn’t they increase fees to generate profit?

The problem – and this is the elephant in the room – is that our government schools are not good enough. I know that many people will be angry with what I am writing, but I feel it is my duty as a citizen to mention this as I would rather send my child to a public school than a private one, because this way the child mixes with everyone not just the elite or children from a similar background. But I will never sacrifice my child’s education to prove a point.

Lastly, I want to give a solution. The best education system is not American, British, French or Arabic. The best is the Finnish model. All schools in Finland are public and they all have one standard – excellent.

It builds schools with the aim to provide a safe and happy environment for the child to prosper without punishment, homework or standard testing. But don’t take my word for their success. The World Economic Forum has ranked it the number one schooling system in the world. There must be a reason it beat the US, the UK, France, Singapore and China in this respect.

Let’s try to change the system for all. Let us not get bogged down by pride and sensitivities. For our children’s sake, let us do what is best for them and not us. Our children deserve the best.

Mishal Kanoo, Dubai