Recently, we’ve read
some politicians getting unnecessarily in a sweat, losing sleep with the
thought of Ministry of Education spending some amount on balloons to train our teachers.
We appreciate for such a rare (and childlike) concern that we’re receiving for
the first time from our lawmakers. Perhaps, this might be from the wisdom of
hindsight – expertise, education and experience.
As a teacher, at
English for Effective Communication Training, we’ve never realized that we’re bursting
nation’s Ngultrum 5, which could be otherwise used to build a bridge over Moa
River, increase pay and allowances for our esteemed politicians who agonize
even on a single balloon, fund third country tour for benevolent ministers or expend
to increase the width or breadth of blacktopping of our feeble Geog Center
roads.
As a teacher, we never
calculate things in terms of balloons and toys. We look at the end benefit. For
instance, if using a balloon provides the shot in the arm in teaching-learning
process, we purchase several balloons per lesson. We use it in the class. We never take it back
home or broadcast in social media. At home, our children blow plastics and kick
cans instead of balloons and balls. Indeed, there are many teachers who run their
home more frugally than their classroom.
Respected politicians,
did you ever notice that some of our teachers pay top dollar for preparing
teaching-learning-materials? Have you ever heard of a teacher, grief-stricken
with ever sophisticated laptop loan (arranged by the ministry?), done all, but
for our students? Sacrificing so called paid leave (which made us ineligible
for yearly leave encasement) in receiving Professional Development Programmes,
or numerous other summer and winter programmes?
For us, it is really shocking
and shameful even to stare at such a blunt post by honorable personals in
social media. I think there are many better topics than a balloon to consider
upon. For instance, our towns are overflowing with jobless youths; seasoned
teachers are voluntarily leaving this noble profession; youth related issues are
escalating; suicide case is greater than ever. I think, simply wasting time on agonizing
on a single balloon cannot address any of these issues.
Nevertheless, nothing nastiest
or most horrible comments will wipe out our sincere dedication and commitment. We
are inspired nor by the sweet-coated words used in political pledge, neither by
the reaches of this world. It is the innocent faces, looking at us each day,
that keep us motivated to move further. Happy Teaching!
