Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of Indian independence movement, once said, “A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and soul of its people”. It is because culture is a way of life of a group of people–the behaviors, beliefs, values, and symbols that they accept, generally without thinking about them, and that are passed along by communication and imitation from one generation to the next.
The identity of a nation is reflected on its culture as shaped by its history, defined by its current state, motivated by its dreams and aspirations and guided by its ideals and principles. Hence, culture reveals a country’s past, present and future as well as its philosophies.
Consequently, a nation’s past also greatly influenced its education- its system, curriculum, languages for instruction and even the type and appearance of buildings and other structures. However, education does not only deal with the different subject matters to be taught. It is also concerned with values, attitudes and even hopes and dreams of the people and since the educational system is an essential element of the society, the role of the teachers as cultural leaders is very crucial.
Being a part of a dynamic society, education is always faced with the challenges of keeping up with the rapid changes of its nation. Globalization has opened the doors of other nations with different races and cultures. Migration paved way for internalization and interracial interactions.
The Philippines is one of the countries experiencing this situation especially with the overwhelming increase of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). Filipinos are now exposed to different cultures which they knowingly and unknowingly embrace or adapt. Ultimately, this leads to the question, “What happens to the Filipino culture?”
This is where education should play its fundamental function of cultural transmission. It should always focus on its goal of imparting culture from generation to generation through agents such as the teachers. However, teachers must also be cautious in what they pass on to the students.
Hence, the school curriculum should impart and integrate what can be considered as true Filipino in terms of beliefs, skills, arts, literature, philosophy, religion and music as well as social institutions such as family, educational organizations, religious groups, government and political system. Although changes and influences of other cultures are inevitable, teachers have to give emphasis to what Filipinos should preserve.
In instances when some Filipinos see that other cultures are better, remember that Philippines also has so many cultural practices, traditions and values to be proud of. For example, resilience is one remarkable trait of the Filipinos. Being able to smile despite of problems, being positive in facing trials and being stronger during tough times are some of the indications of this Filipino spirit. Filipinos, in any given situation, make every effort to survive and succeed.
Finally, it is worthy to note the words of American activist Cesar Chavez: “Preservation of one’s own culture does not require contempt or disrespect for other cultures.” To fully understand one’s own culture, a man must also deeply and sincerely understand other people’s culture. To be able to say that one values his own culture, he must also learn to give due respect to other cultures. This should be taught and embodied by teachers as cultural leaders.
http://www.sociologyguide.com/education/education-and-culture.php
By: MAR- ELEN FE G. REÑOSA | Head Teacher III | Bonifacio Camacho National High School | Abucay, Bataan
