‘Mother of Nation’ deserves recognition

Ajith PERERA

The pre-school teacher is the second mother of children. Biological mothers may have one or two children or a maximum of four in the present families due to socio-economic reasons. But a pre-school teacher, whom I like to call ‘Mother’, has more than 15 children under her care. Taking good care of her children, identifying their capabilities and difficulties, facilitating them in their personal, educational and social needs and growth, shaping their characters, moulding them in such a way to face life with confidence in the future, are not as easy as they seem to be.

The pre-school teacher can also be introduced as the ‘Creator of Human Resources to the Nation’ and the ‘Mother of the Nation.’ She may not know that she shoulders such a responsibility. If it is so, she should be made aware of it. Further, she should be motivated and appreciated enough.

The pre-school lays the foundation of children’s lives and education. She can be the designer of the lives of her little students who are going to inherit the future of the country. If she makes blunders either wittingly or unwittingly, they could give rise to grave social issues on the part of the children and society at large. The pre-school teachers should be held responsible for their mission. Mistakes or errors made by them are unfortunately not visible at the spur of the moment. But these mistakes can become visible in the children, either in their primary education or secondary education, or later in life. Therefore, the pre-school teacher should be well equipped with educational and professional training.

Herculean task

Handling and guiding the children in the pre-school is a Herculean task because the teachers are dealing with tender minds and soft hearts. Children are like flowers and the teachers should be extra careful when handling those flowers without hurting the petals. Teachers should be more careful than gardeners who look after their plants in their nursery. Gardeners have to water, manure and protect the plants from insects and pests. If the plants are destroyed, they can resort to some other ones. Gardeners in the pre-school cannot think like that. They must take care of each flower as their own children. They have to keep all the children under their watchful eyes and coach them properly for a better future.

Mushrooming

Unfortunately, pre-school education has become a self-employment enterprise. People are of the impression that anyone can start a pre-school, assuming that teaching children is not a difficult task. They hire either O/L or A/L qualified girls and start pre-schools. They are money-minded and the parents who send their children to such pre-schools are also ignorant. Such pre-schools are mushrooming island-wide. It is said that pre-schools should be registered. But is it properly done? Are the teachers or the owners of the pre-schools qualified to handle the children? Have they followed any pre-school course at a recognized institute?

Ours is a very funny country. When Chinese restaurants came into being, every Tom, Dick and Harry opened up Chinese restaurants. The majority of them could not run the business even for a few months. Why do these money-minded people degrade pre-schools to the level of Chinese restaurants? If the Chinese food the customer expects is not of the Chinese taste then he tries somewhere else because he goes for taste. When the mushrooming pre-schools do not cater to the physical, mental, social and spiritual needs of their own children some parents do not save their precious children from this danger. If they know the taste of Chinese food and take immediate action, why don’t they take immediate action regarding their children’s education? Are they so ignorant? Are they sending their children to a pre-school as a fashion?

As a teacher of Child Psychology, I made several trips to a number of pre-schools for teacher observations. At the entrance to the pre-schools the huge billboards invite parents to send their little children for

‘English Medium Education’, but I did not hear a word in English during my stay in the pre-schools. I enquired why they displayed ‘English Medium’, yet spoke in Sinhala the whole day long with the children. ‘The main reason is that the teachers are not fluent in English and if they speak in “broken English” children will learn the wrong language,’ answered the head teacher of a pre-school.

If the parents are ignorant as to what the pre-school teachers do, then at least the responsible authority should take stern actions against such pre-school teachers and the management of pre-schools. The pre-school teachers are not afraid of making any blunders. One reason is that there is no proper policy of education, proper regulation and proper inspection. Even if there are rules and regulations, they are not properly implemented.

In the midst of mushrooming pre-schools and ill-qualified teachers, the qualified hard working pre-school teachers are also neglected. If proper action is not taken immediately, the system of pre-school education will also become like private tuition classes. Responsible authority, please make a note of it before it is too late.

Educational background

Parents have the right to know the educational and professional background of the teacher they select as their child’s second mother. Teachers should also display their certificates to be seen by the parents. Moreover, the teacher should also be practical and show off her talents in handling and shaping her students and that will be the best advertisement for the next batch of students. Healthy rapport between parents and teacher is equally important. That will help her guide her children towards success.

Each child in the pre-school should be treated equally because they need it. Exemplary and genuine pre-school teachers never give room for favouritism because they love all their children like mothers. Mothers love all their children equally. They do not entertain any discrimination. They are the embodiment of love and affection. Pre-school teachers whom the children accept as their second mothers should also love their children without any prejudices. Such are the real ‘Mothers of the Nation’.

We are a grateful nation. We are well-known for our hospitality and good will.

Are we grateful to the pre-school teachers who take the first bold step in moving the country and nation ahead?

Achievements in the cinema, sports and arts are duly recognized and are awarded annually. It is very much appreciative. But aren't the Giants in all these said and unsaid fields shaped from the pre-schools? We enjoy the fruits of a tree without fertilizing the roots. If the roots are dried and weaken will there be sweet fruits?

Isn't it indeed a pity that the qualified, hard working exemplary pre-school teachers are not properly recognized, valued and honoured by those in authority? This is not an accusation but a humble request on behalf of 'Mothers of Nation' who deserve honour for their silent service.

Pre-school teachers, who shoulder an enormous responsibility in creating resourceful persons for the nation and for the development of the country, should not be neglected thus.

Their silent, yet yeoman service, should be rewarded at least once a year.