We're Blessed, So Pass It On
One of the things that most gets me about technology, is how it makes very apparent lines (on a global scale especially) of those who have and those who do not. And even still, when opportunities for having come to those that dont, issues pertaining to timing and corruption can put a bad face on what is intended to be a blessing.
Take this story ran @ the BBC this week. There is nothing wrong with this picture, until you realize that this is one of literally a hand-number of schools in Kenya that have the electricty to make this possible, let alone plausable. I thought a lot about this before posting because I wanted to make sure that I looked at this from as many angles as possible. And on one hand, its great in terms of taking computing to areas that do not have it. But then that's the issue. These students are being blessed with an excellent technology, but the chances in them being able to use this to help their country, who do not even need this luxury, is so very low.
On the other hand, take a school in the US or UK that does have textbooks (and other materials) but for one reason or another this kind of jump isnt pursued. Why? What is it so hard for the companies that fund initatives like this in Kenya, to do the same stateside? It angers me, because I want to see PDAs and other tech in Kenya, just not at the expense of those who are here that would better be able to use this.
So my proposition is simple, lets teach the right thing at the right place in the right season. Where computing skills are needed, lets teach. Where basic communication skills are needed, lets teach. Let bless someone else with what they need, rather than what they would have no use for. That is part of the reason of having ministry tools; there are those that need these items. And then there are those who dont. I dont expect those who dont to want this now, but in due time to be blessed when that need comes.
I know. It sounds quite ideological. But my thoughts are that technology can sway education back to being the most important resource of developed and developing nations. The scripture say my people perish for lack of knowledge, not becaause they lack a computer.
Take this story ran @ the BBC this week. There is nothing wrong with this picture, until you realize that this is one of literally a hand-number of schools in Kenya that have the electricty to make this possible, let alone plausable. I thought a lot about this before posting because I wanted to make sure that I looked at this from as many angles as possible. And on one hand, its great in terms of taking computing to areas that do not have it. But then that's the issue. These students are being blessed with an excellent technology, but the chances in them being able to use this to help their country, who do not even need this luxury, is so very low.
On the other hand, take a school in the US or UK that does have textbooks (and other materials) but for one reason or another this kind of jump isnt pursued. Why? What is it so hard for the companies that fund initatives like this in Kenya, to do the same stateside? It angers me, because I want to see PDAs and other tech in Kenya, just not at the expense of those who are here that would better be able to use this.
So my proposition is simple, lets teach the right thing at the right place in the right season. Where computing skills are needed, lets teach. Where basic communication skills are needed, lets teach. Let bless someone else with what they need, rather than what they would have no use for. That is part of the reason of having ministry tools; there are those that need these items. And then there are those who dont. I dont expect those who dont to want this now, but in due time to be blessed when that need comes.
I know. It sounds quite ideological. But my thoughts are that technology can sway education back to being the most important resource of developed and developing nations. The scripture say my people perish for lack of knowledge, not becaause they lack a computer.
posted by Antoine @ 8/01/2005 08:13:00 PM
3 comments
3 Comments:
While it's certianly worthwhile to consider the uselessness of computers to people without clean drinking water, wouldn't it be better to concentrate on what's being taught and/or if there should even be 'public education'?
Hi Antoine,
I saw the same BBC article in broadcast format on BBC News 24 over here in the UK. For me it highlights - as you touched on in yor article - the issue of maybe inappropriate emphasis of what help to give those who need it. However, it also strikes me that sufficient old fashioned education anywhere - the spreading of the Good News of Gospel - and the need to love our neighbours as ourselves is what helps spread the understanding & compassion people need to redress the injustices of the world where so few have so much & so many so little. I also think as Christians we need to be careful not to get so hooked on technology that it blots out the reality that love does not actually always benefit from it....Jesus had no need of technology when he walked the earth on the way to the cross & the Resurrection. It can be of course be of great benefit such as in medicine but I fear it can also be a part of worldly temptations that cause us to loose sight of how little we actually really need day by day....
Just my thoughts,
will email you soon
regards,
Adrian
Anon:
I agree, whats being taught is very important, and that too should go into any discussion about education IMHO. I think that in the case of the BBC story, the 'what' did not equal the value that it could give to the community as a whole, and that's where I saw different with the offering.
I on the other hand do say that if in a western society that does address the basic educational needs, a program like this could have more value in the 'what' because it uses something that they would see quite soon, if not already.
Adrian;
Love...dag man. You know, its really hard to comment on anything after that one. I think you are right though. No need to get so caught up into tech that love is missed, and therefore the avenue for the Gospel is never even made.
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