Azerbaijan, Baku, 23 July / A. Ismayilova - Deputy Director of Trend Agency / The Azerbaijani Education Minister stated that beginning from the new academic year all students of general education schools will have to wear a uniform. He explained that it is an attempt to eliminate discrimination among school students.
The most shocking thing is that the Ministry made the decision without consulting us, the parents and public. The parent councils function in schools for this purpose. We were not asked about the decision let alone the approach to the problem is wrong itself.
In my opinion, this is an attempt to restrict the younger generation. Either way the young do not receive an appropriate education. How correct is it to raise the issue of uniforms in a time when we speak on integration into Europe, freedom of action and freedom in choosing.
My daughter is in the second form. Despite endless stereotypes in our society, I succeed in bringing her up as an independent person. But I do not know if she will understand the decision of our Education Ministry to wear a uniform. I am sure she will have objections. So, what must I tell her in this case?
The Minister believes that the act will cut discrimination among school students. He is sure that the issue of the rich and the poor, which allegedly affects not only students but also teachers, will be resolved. But is this the real way out of the situation?
Why do we not increase the level of education and upbringing of students? That also refers to the increase of level of teachers' professionalism and independency. Why do we not raise the salaries of the teachers to the maximum? All the problems in our society take a firm stand in the disgraceful state of education in our country, after all.
Why do we respect our school teachers? I left a Russian school during the USSR. We respected them for their knowledge. What is the matter with today's schools? What student respects his/her teacher for their knowledge? That is a rarity.
I am sure that in order to eliminate discrimination in schools and other problems we should not resort to administrative measures. We should just change the atmosphere...