Children should learn practical skills from primary education

By Fatima Jamil Ahmad

Sir: Education is one of the very important foundations we can give a child, but education should not end with learning how to read, write, pass examinations and obtain certificates. Children should also be given the opportunity to learn practical skills that can help them in their everyday lives and prepare them for the future.

This is why practical skills should not be introduced only when a child reaches secondary school, polytechnic or university. It should begin from primary school and continue throughout the different stages of education.

From the primary school level, children can be introduced to simple skills that suit their age and ability. They can learn crafts, drawing, sewing, gardening, cooking, computer skills, public speaking, creative writing and other useful activities. As they grow older, these skills can become more advanced. A secondary school student can learn photography, graphic design, fashion design, catering, agriculture, programming, media production, hairdressing, electrical work and entrepreneurship, among others. By the time such a student reaches higher education, the skill can be developed further and possibly become a source of income.

The idea is not to stop children from studying Mathematics, English, Science, Social Studies, Agriculture and other important subjects. These subjects remain necessary. Rather, practical skills should be taught alongside them. There should be a particular course or programme in schools that gives children the opportunity to learn, practise and develop different skills as they move from one level of education to another.

The skills taught at the primary level may be basic, while those at secondary and tertiary levels can be more specialised.

This is important because children have different abilities and interests. A child may discover a passion for fashion after learning basic sewing. Another may become interested in technology after being introduced to computers and coding. Someone may discover an interest in agriculture, photography, public speaking, baking, writing or design. Many children may never discover these abilities if they are only exposed to classroom lessons and examinations.

The economic situation also makes this conversation necessary. Things are becoming increasingly difficult for families, while young people face serious challenges when searching for employment after graduation. It is therefore, important for education to prepare young people not only to look for jobs but also to have something useful they can do. A graduate who has a practical skill can use it to earn an income, support a family, start a small business or provide a service while looking for other opportunities.

Schools, therefore, have an important role to play. School proprietors, management and education authorities should consider making practical skills a structured part of education from the primary level. It should not be something pupils only do during an occasional exhibition or special school event. Children should have regular opportunities to practise these skills, make mistakes, improve and eventually become good at something they can use outside the classroom.

Parents also have a role to play. Academic performance is important, but parents should not make their children believe that examination results and certificates are the only measures of success.

A child who knows how to create, repair, design, grow, communicate or provide a useful service is also gaining something valuable.

Practical education can also make classroom learning more meaningful. A child learning Mathematics can understand budgeting through a simple business activity. A student learning Agriculture can gain experience by planting and caring for crops. A child learning Computer Studies can move beyond theory and actually create something. Communication lessons can involve public speaking, writing, broadcasting or other forms of creative expression.

The important thing is to start early and continue. We should not wait until a young person is about to graduate before asking what practical ability he or she has acquired. The foundation should be laid from primary school and strengthened at every stage of education.

Nigeria needs educated young people, but it also needs young people who can think, create, solve problems and work with their hands. If practical skills become part of education from the grassroots to higher institutions, children will have more opportunities to discover their abilities and develop them over time.

Perhaps, alongside asking a student, “What did you study?” we should also begin asking, “What can you do with what you have learned?” That is a question our education system should take seriously.

Fatima Jamil Ahmad wrote via [email protected].