Education - An economic necessity?

[Invincible]

An old member of Omanforum once initiated a topic on the UN Report on the Middle East.

One of the points that really made me concerned is that the ME's knowledge is at poverty.

In today's world, nothing is of more value than knowledge itself. Oil will soon run out just like other things do and did in the past. We cant rely on natural resources like we can on human resources which I like to call Human Capital.

What do you guys think of this, should education be an economic necessity or should it be mandatory? There are successful ppl without an educational background but that's a very small percentage of the population.

Any views on this?

[RUGOMBO]

Inv.,



This is a very good topic, but needs proper study to link between people's need and what the Government plans are!



In my view, education is the foundation of success and a quicker way to reach your potential. You can be successful without proper education but not without education at all!



This should be a nationwide aim rather than privileged individuals. This can be a morale boost to those whose ambitions are to acquire education but have no access to it.



To answer to your question, education must be mandatory in my view and equality for all.



R.

[Invincible]

The reason I've brought this up is because many new high school graduates with grades under 80% dont get scholarships or admission into SQU. Their parents arent financially sound to support them, so what happens? they either go to technical institutes for a couple of years, or start working immediately.

One thing that I've noticed is that education has become a necessity in Oman. Without a bachelor's degree, you're stuck and your potential to grow is limited, however, if you have a bachelor's or a masters, looks like your potential for growth is stretched a lot in comparison to high school graduates.

It makes me sad that average minds arent given the opportunity for further education - sponsored to be more precise. Many families cant afford to further educate their children - it is costly. My parents struggled to put me through college and the same with my brothers - they had savings of at least a decade to sort their children out. However, sometimes, many children are unfortunate, and just because their financial situation is limited, I find it really sad that they arent given the opportunity. Many want a further education. If the Ministry of Education cant go beyond their budget, then they need to build more colleges and Universities to meet the needs of the future generation.

Do you know what I mean? Ah, maybe I should get a Phd )n social policy and planning and sort this out. Yeah right! easier said than done.

Any ideas Rugombo? What I love about Oman`is that I feel it's so easy to put our ideas through, and if we have a sound plan, then we can make it happen. I dont know, but I find Oman open for development, you dont have to tie strings or anything like that.

[RUGOMBO]

Inv.,

It all depends on people's priority, what comes first and how do I want to raise my children and what do I want to give them apart from buying them BMW's etc..?? Here are few examples;

· Some families priority is to educate their children and leave other accessories behind like building big houses and buying new cars and spending their money on holidays etc.. It seems that your family's priority was purely to educate their children; hence you are a living proof of that!

· Other families priority is to sort of show off how successful they are by owning big cars etc.. and quite happy for their children to settle with either Secondary School Education or even below!!!!

A working class family will always sense the value of education and can do their utmost to educate their children. Others who have become reach through any other means would not take it seriously.

Not to forget that there are people with limitations and cannot go pass Secondary education due to their mental capabilities etc..

Those with ambitions and have the mental capabilities and have no access to higher education due to lack of support are the ones that need help. In my view, the current hanger to build more private universities in Oman would somehow help, the rich will go to private Universities and the poor will go to Government Universities as it#8217;s currently is in the primary/secondary education.

Attract foreign investors and enhance tourism could also be a solution in the long run.

Let me put this question to you inv., - You have seen it all through your parents struggling to educate you, Who can convince you otherwise that education is not the right way to go??

R.

[Invincible]

Of course at the end of the day, it's the family's priority, or actually the individual's choice, if the choice isnt readily available, then I feel that the government should always welcome to further educate its citizens. What Im stressing here is that it should be readily available.

The strength of economy in the future is going to be all about knowledge, and the future isnt really far away. Its important to manage knowledge, and invest in human capital by helping them excel in their talents and strengths and help them overcome their weaknesses.

Im not merely suggesting that we should our fellow citizens to the US or UK for further education. We could always send them to good Universities in Egypt, Russia, or even Australia (it's half the cost if not more), or introduce more colleges/universities that are open for those who choose further education.

Those who have mental limitations, well, I dont think its right for us to put limitations on them. Many disabled ppl struggled and did things that other average ppl couldnt accomplish anything near to them. What Im saying, everyone who wants a chance deserves it.

It shouldnt just be about business or sciences, we should also encourage arts and music.

You say we should enhance tourism, well, it all goes back to the basics. We need to train our own ppl on tourism and hospitality - we dont need Indians and Philipinos (no offence) being tourist guides, we should have our own ppl do that.

You are right, nobody can convince that there's another way other than education, as it is, education is the strongest weapon in this competitive world.

[Jinan]

Back at the university, they emphasize alot on sending their staff abroad for scholarship..but sadly, only smart ones are given the chance and not the average students, and this is unfair. I asked the reason behind it, they didnt give me any convincing reason. I think its very important to educate, its becoming a necessity that no one can live without, especially in this century, where things are developing, u just cant finish ur secondary and start looking for a job thinking that u will get it easily. I am lucky that my dad encourages education, for him its a priority that all his children must be educated.

[RUGOMBO]

Jinan,

I can understand why SQU are only sending smart ones, at the end of the day there should be a cut off somewhere and competition is always healthy, but what inv., is saying is to find a fit for those who are smart but have no access to education.
R.

[Something_Wild]

Very interesting indeed.

I think that alot of lies in the question of to ehance the level of education in a community. Its not really the education in terms of schooling and qualifications that matter, it is the actuall mentality of seeking further knowledge. Its the drive that gives a human a hunger to know more. simple question, if you wanted a really decent book where would you go to get it in Oman?

Though it is a business market that is not quite profitable, it is a little humiliating to mention it. Imagine a publishing company talking about selling books in a country. how bad would it be to hear that there is no market for books?


SOMEONE PLEASE GET ME "BlACKWELL'S" where I can order a book and if its not there it would arrive by the next weekend!!

[Invincible]

You made a very valid point. Accessibility to knowledge/information etc? it is limited indeed.

I wonder if the right question is:

Is there a market to sell books?

Are they enough bookshops available?

I think if it's available, ppl would make use of it, but I dont know to what extent. Everytime I go out, Im so tempted to step into Waterstones (a bookshop here) to buy a book too whether it's educational or just a novel I fancy.

One problem though, books arent cheap. How many ppl would be willing to spend over RO 5 for a book or upto RO 30-50.

I wonder if anyone can enlighten us on this matter.