How long school hours contribute to social ills in society

I have great admiration for people who attended school in the 1960s and 70s. Most exude a sense of self-assuredness and intelligence rare today. And even though many did not attend more than ten years of schooling, they can hold their own against today’s graduates, even run rings around some when it comes to creative thinking, problem solving and understanding our history. Their grasp of foreign and local affairs is impressive. One thing is clear though; the education system at the time dwelt on the mental and physical development of an individual, equipping them with life’s skills, never once showing bias for cramming to pass national examinations.

Parenting was a communal task. Society collectively instilled positive values in children from an early age. Indeed, a post espied on social media that in the olden days children could be punished for looking, or not looking at an elder, or be punished for beating or losing a fight with a neighbour’s child. This clearly emphasises that children were taught to be objective, develop their situational awareness and adopt to situations as circumstances demanded. The same cannot be vouched for today; at home or in school.