Jamaica Needs Civics To Rescue Heritage From Technology
As the country continues to reflect on its heritage and the achievements of its national heroes, the president of the National Parent-Teacher Association of Jamaica, Everton Hannam, has called for a greater level of urgency in teaching civics in schools.
Hannam argued that with advances in technology, young people are having less appreciation for Jamaica's heritage.
"The influence of technology and overexposure to foreign cultures continue to pervade our society, so the need for civics is even more important so as to help our children better appreciate our heritage," Hannam said.
"Every year, it seems more like a ritual when this time comes around (National Heroes Day), especially for the younger generation, and so the pace at which we are moving to implement it (civics) is of some concern because this has resulted in a disconnect in a number of areas."
Hannam also suggested that there be a collaborative approach towards implementing the programme.
GENERATION GAP
"There is a difference between the older generation and the younger generation. Back in the day, the emphasis on our culture was much greater. Whether it's in the schools, through music, or other art forms, it is imperative that our youth understand the significance of our past," he said.
"It is important to note as well that the programme has to be part of a greater effort and must take a multifaceted approach. We must look at ethics, attitudes, values, among other factors, but there must be an aggressive programme, which will also aid in correcting some of the ills in society," he charged.
This article speaks to Unit 1 of Advanced Citizenship outline where it highlights the advantages of citizenship education. The article stresses that civics is a tool in helping our children appreciating our culture. With the technology era we are currently in children spend enormous time exploring various modes of technology than they take to explore their culture. However technology at hand is not overly an deterrent to lack of cultural appreciation because children can also use these various modes of technology to explore and know more about their culture. With civics being taught along with application of technology children will be more culturally aware citizens who portraits good moral values.
Contributor: Renae Simpson
Technology and over-exposure to foreign cultures can be a detrimental distraction to this generation learning and becoming appreciative of our cultural heritage and understanding themselves as Jamaican citizens with good values and attitudes. However, I agree that technology can be used to aid students in coming to a place where they are appreciate of and wants to learn our cultural heritage. The infusion of technology in this experience would motivate students to want to know about our cultural heritage as they would be exposed in a way that they understand; the use of technology. Therefore, they will be made to feel like they are a part of it all as things they like and ar familiar with are being utilised. An example of how technology can be infused is by creating apps which highlights Jamaican citizenship education so that students can download and interact with.
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