LONDON, Jan 22 (APP)- A seminar on “Faith, Culture and Education” discussed the challenges facing the educationists and concluded that more input was required to deal with the issues in a coherent manner.
The event was arranged by the Aga Khan University, Institute for the study of Muslim civilisations and the Commonwealth Foundation at the Marlborough House here on Thursday evening.
The panellists including Farid Panjwani, Jyotsna Jha, Rosemary Preston, Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, Janina Ainsworth, and Arif Jamal. Dr.Mark Collins, Director, Commonwealth Foundation and Dr.Abdou Filali-Ansary, Director, AKU-ISMC,London, acted as the moderators.
Dr. Ansary in his opening remarks explained the need to chart an innovative direction in the study of Muslim societies, emphasising the place and role of culture. He said the education was at the cross-road and there was a need to find new ways to make the people understand on the new challenges facing them.
The other panellists explored critical issues around the teaching of faith in schools both in the UK and in other Commonwealth countries. The issues of religious education versus education about religion, of religious education and the development of a common ethic of citizenship and the religious diversity came up for discussion.
Noted British journalist Yasmin Alibhai-Brown pointed out that quality education has thrived in secular societies whereas societies with predominant leaning towards religion have failed to benefit from modern teaching methods and knowledge.
Pakistan Deputy High Commissioner Manzur-ul-Haq who was present among the audience while responding to a remark of a panellist said women are being encouraged to study beyond basic schooling with the education increasingly viewed as investment in future security.
Dr.Collins informed the participants about the 17th Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers meeting which is to take place in Kuala Lumpur in June this year which will focus on key educational platforms at Commonwealth education co-operation moves into its second half century.
The Conference, he added, will also foster new thinking and fresh ideas on building partnerships and collaboration between stakeholders in meeting emerging challenges in a new era.
Ismailimail 