Role of Education in Promoting National Unity

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Role of Education in Promoting National Unity

31 Oct 2023

Education is a key catalyst in promoting national unity, as it can help citizens of the nation to appreciate the diversity and uniqueness of their country and to participate in its democratic and developmental processes. The Ministry of Education has initiated various schemes and programmes via educational institutes to achieve this objective, such as the National Integration Camps, the National Service Scheme, the National Cadet Corps, the Bharat Scouts and Guides, the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, etc. These programmes aim to provide opportunities for students to interact with people from different regions, languages, religions, and cultures, and to develop a sense of patriotism, social responsibility, and civic awareness.

Education also addresses social inequalities, benefiting women, SCs, STs, OBCs, and minorities. It empowers these groups, promoting harmony and contributing to the nation's progress. According to the National Policy on Education (1986), one of the objectives of education is to foster national integration and unity, by developing a common national identity and culture, and by respecting the pluralistic and diverse nature of Indian society.

Education bridging cultural, social, and regional divides:

Education fosters curiosity, empathy, and respect, transcending socio-cultural and religious barriers. It exposes students to diverse cultures and perspectives, cultivating understanding and effective communication while promoting social cohesion and inclusion. UNESCO's Cutting Edge initiative drives societal agility. Education also fuels regional development via student and teacher mobility, enhancing intercultural awareness. The Erasmus+ program in the EU promotes cross-cultural exchange. It is a European Union student exchange initiative that supports education, training, youth, and sport in Europe and beyond.

Education is not only a way of acquiring information but also a way of transforming and preparing oneself for the world. By bridging cultural, social, and regional divides through education, we can create a more just and peaceful society for all.

Power of education in promoting tolerance, diversity, and inclusivity:

Education is one of the most powerful forces that can shape the world for the better. It helps people to develop critical thinking skills, which enable them to question their assumptions, challenge stereotypes, and recognise biases. By learning to think critically, people can also appreciate the layered and diverse human experiences, rather than relying on simplistic or binary views. For example, the Critical Thinking Foundation provides resources and tools to help educators and students improve their critical thinking abilities.

Education can also create opportunities for intercultural exchange and collaboration, which can enhance mutual understanding and appreciation among people from different cultures on a level playing field. By exposing students to different languages, histories, values, and traditions, education can help them to develop intercultural competence and global citizenship. In this regard, the Global School Net, founded in 1984 by teachers, connects schools from different countries and regions to engage in online projects and activities that foster intercultural learning.

Education can also empower people to take action for social justice and inclusion, which can contribute to a more peaceful and harmonious world. By raising awareness about the issues and challenges faced by marginalised or oppressed groups, education can inspire people to stand up for their rights and dignity, as well as support others in their struggles. For example, the Global Campaign for Education movement, founded in 1999, advocates for the right to quality education for all, especially for those who are excluded or discriminated against.

Real-world examples and success stories of countries benefiting from inclusive educational practices:

Inclusive education is the practice of ensuring that all learners, regardless of their abilities, backgrounds, or identities, have equal access to quality education that meets their needs and respects their rights. It increases accessibility for all in enhancing their skills and developing their potential. Inclusive education can benefit not only the learners themselves, but also the countries and societies that implement it. There are some inspiring stories of success made possible due to inclusive educational practices.

In Guatemala, UNESCO supported the development and implementation of a national policy on inclusive education, which aimed to improve access, quality, and equity of education for all learners, especially those from indigenous, rural, and marginalised communities. The policy included measures such as bilingual and intercultural curricula, teacher training programs, community participation, and monitoring and evaluation systems.

In Nepal, UNICEF partnered with the government and local stakeholders to promote inclusive education for children with disabilities, who often face multiple barriers to learning and participation. The project involved providing assistive devices, accessible infrastructure, teacher training, curriculum adaptation, and awareness-raising activities. The project reached more than 80,000 children with disabilities improving their enrollment, attendance, retention, and learning outcomes through inclusive education.

In Tanzania, Leonard Cheshire supported the implementation of the Education for Life project, which aimed to improve the access and quality of education for girls with disabilities in rural areas. The project provided catch-up classes, life skills training, mentorship, scholarships, and vocational opportunities for the girls, as well as sensitisation workshops for their families and communities. The project benefited more than 800 children with disabilities in four regions, enhancing their self-confidence, skills, and employability.

The implemenation of the Inclusive Education for Syrian Refugees project in Jordan by UNICEF, sought to improve the access and quality of education for Syrian refugee children and host community children in Za’atari camp. The project provided inclusive classrooms, psychosocial support, teacher training, parent engagement, and referral services for the children, as well as advocacy and coordination with relevant authorities.

These examples show how inclusive education can have positive impacts on individuals, communities, and nations and how small changes make big differences. By embracing diversity and inclusion in education systems, countries can foster social cohesion, economic development, and human rights for all and promote the feeling of national unity.

Importance of investing in education for a more unified and harmonious nation:

Education can help to preserve and promote the cultural heritage and diversity of a nation, which can strengthen its identity and pride. By teaching students about the history, values, traditions, and languages of their nation and its various groups, education can help them to appreciate and respect their own and others’ cultures. For example, in India, the National Curriculum Framework 2005 emphasises the importance of integrating cultural education into the curriculum to develop a national identity that is respectful of diversity.

Education can also contribute to political stability and democracy by empowering people to participate actively and responsibly in the governance of their nation. By providing students with civic education, human rights education, and media literacy, education can help them develop critical thinking skills, ethical values, and civic awareness. They can also learn to exercise their rights and duties as citizens, as well as to hold their leaders accountable. For example, in South Africa, the Life Orientation curriculum covers topics such as democracy, citizenship, diversity, human dignity, and social justice.

Education is not only a way of acquiring knowledge but also a way of building a nation. By investing in education for unity and harmony, a country can ensure its prosperity and peace.

Sources

Tanmaya Kshirsagar

Tanmaya Kshirsagar is an artist, writer and musician. She works with UN Women as a Youth Ambassador and her work has found a place on platforms like Times of India, Indian Review, Women's Web and Medium to name a few.

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