WRONGS THAT NEED CORRECTION

OUR EDUCATIONAL SHORTCOMINGS

Surprising as it may be to many of us who reside in places where such is more or less unheard
 of, there were 323 million children, throughout the world, who were not enrolled in school in 2007. (David Alexander, "World falling behind on 2015 education goal."  Reuters, Jan. 17, 2007)  Another shocking statistic tells us that our world is today populated by close to a billion adults who cannot read or write. (New York Times, Wed., July 2, 2008)  Universal literacy is more than desirable.  In view of the modern technological stage to which our world has been transported, it is absolutely essential.

It is sad to note that some cultures actually continue to discourage attendance at school--especially by girThus, what is required is the establishment of a worldwide educationqal network, heedless of national borders, and instituted for the sole purpose of administering learning to all ls.  It is even sadder to realize that, in many places, attendance at school is impossible, even for children of families who desire it, due to the out-and-out absence of reasonably nearby school facilities, and/or transportation thereto.  Thus, what is required is the establishment of a worldwide educational network, heedless of national borders, and instituted for the sole purpose of administering learning to all children everywhere, with the same sense of urgency of purpose as the provision of food should be to children who are starving.

Schools need not, and should not, be vehicles for inculcation of national or political values into the minds of the young.  It is for this reason in particular that I propose a worldwide system of basic education, of at least twelve years' duration, with no distinction or modification due to its national location.  Of course, there is no harm in, and would in fact need to be, a small quantity of supplemental curriculum based upon the geography and distinctive natural and cultural circumstances prevalent in particular places.  But, aside from that, everything else--including history--should be taught in an objective fashion throughout the world.  A worldwide universal language should be taught as a second language to all students.

Students who obtain "higher" (college level, graduate, or professional) education, wherever they be, should be subject to similar standards and requirements.  I also foresee a kind of universal conscription, pursuant to which each such graduate would owe perhaps four years of service in his or her particular field (or perhaps a field related thereto) directed toward the then-prevailing needs of society.

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