Invest in education

NEVER before have I been so inspired by what parents can do for their children. While having a cup of tea with a paediatrician, who runs a clinic in a private hospital in Ipoh, I listened with admiration to his story of how he and his wife sacrificed their time, energy and resources to ensure all their three children got the best education available.

The children all achieved outstanding results in public exams but failed to secure a bursary or scholarship. Putting aside their frustration, this couple decided they would do everything required to ensure that their children’s dreams were realised.

After years of struggle and hardship, their efforts paid off. The three children obtained their medical degrees from universities in Australia and are now employed there as medical practitioners.

I recall vividly how he summed up the overall effort. “We have lived in the same house and driven the same car all these years. Our lifestyle has been rather simple. There was little left for extra luxuries in life. But we never complained and we never will. As parents, we did what we had to do. Nothing is more satisfying than seeing your children excel in life. And excellence is best achieved through good education.

“My children will inherit little from me in terms of material wealth. I have given them the best gift of life in the form of education which, if used wisely, will be able to make them afford and enjoy all the luxuries in life.”

Now in his 60s, the paediatrician still runs his clinic but at a more leisurely pace. He’s got time and the resources to go for a deserving holiday whenever he feels like it. And he’s flying places. He truly deserves it for a job well done.

I was all ears while he was talking about parenting, but more so when he spoke on the need to provide our children with a sound education. Like him, I believe that all parents have their very own unique and inspiring “success” stories to share.

I have seen and heard about how some parents go the extra mile to build fortunes for their children by investing in properties, shares and unit trusts, and setting up business opportunities for them.

Similarly, there are parents who leave a generous will or a business empire to their children which may last a few generations. There is no harm in doing so but only a good education would ensure the properties and monies that are left behind are used wisely and responsibly.

As an educator, I firmly believe that education shapes and moulds people into a complete being intellectually, emotionally, physically and spiritually, as enshrined in our philosophy of education.

Obtaining a diploma or degree is by no means an end to the pursuit of education. On the contrary, it is the beginning of a new exploration.

That’s why we say there is no end to education. The more educated we are, the better beings we become as long as we use our education for affirmative purposes.

I have had many students over the years who drop out of school to join the work force. More often than not, this group gets exploited in terms of remuneration, working hours, promotion and benefits. And lack of education normally means lack of awareness to fight for their rights.

They would probably be doing the same routine and scope of work, which means little space and opportunity for advancement in their career.

To prevent this exploitation, parents must ensure that their children are equipped with an adequate level of education and/or have acquired the necessary skills before they get into the work force.

As parents, the best gift that we can give to our children is a good education. It is an investment which yields lifelong benefits.

JAGINDER SINGH Bt Gajah, Perak