It was like a thick blanket covering us all; the mentality stretched towards the end of the earth. In every continent and country, on both print and electronic media, everyone was talking about the same thing. A victim I was to this era, where all our schools and learning institutes centered our learning on opinions and ideas of other people. We were taught to fill our brains with the way our ancestors thought, the laws and principles of old scientists and accountants were forcefully thrust upon us. There was no room for an individual expression of feelings, ideas, thoughts or experiences. In schools, our teachers would yell at us to study harder if we wanted good jobs, because good jobs come from good grades. What exactly were we to study? When we could not use our brain to think as we had given it out to be filled by other people’s ideology and yet, that was the basis of one’s vision for the future; the ability of your brain to absorb the ideas of others.
There was a huge line between those who want to make it and those who do not. The former was centered on the students that could solve chemical equations and excel in class activities. The latter were those that preferred doing other things aside from in-depth academics. When the time came to make that major decision, I decided to be classified among the students with brains. I spent my time with chemical equations and mathematical puzzles. There was no leisure time to explore myself. Man became machine, using the mind to make decisions and live his life. We were praised for our good grades, expecting good jobs and were also models to be emulated. Then a transformation began, that we could not see or were too blind to notice. Little schools were coming up; where students and not machines were raised. Every aspect of a child was developed. It took a while before my immediate environment got accustomed to the changes. Drama clubs, choirs, dance groups were opened to all with a talent at heart. There was an all-round education where both the mind and heart were educated. This transformation spread round and many people caught wind of it.
I adapted to the changes and discovered that beneath all the puzzles and equations was a little child with a passion for writing and speaking. I fought with my heart for a very long time. I thought of how people would look at me, but then, I took a brave front and picked up my pen. A huge burden was lifted from my shoulders as I discovered that doing what I felt was right was better than thinking about it. I trusted my heart to make that decision because I wanted to make a change which I knew only my heart could provide. My mind which was speaking tons of words noticed something needed to be changed but being the ordinary mind that it was; it could not bring about the change. My heart provided the power and direction for that change. I realized that the true goal of education is not about thinking, organizing or comparing information but about acting on a change. I had spent years studying and learning about changes but realized that I have not done anything to actually bring about that change. I was able to re-direct my path and found myself smiling and going places, something chemical equations were not doing for me. I also realized that a virtuous character is more important than whatever academic or life achievements a person acquires.
A former president of Uganda: Idi Amin Dada, whose oath when he was sworn into office to become ‘the hero of Africa’, was corrupted by the power he exercised. He became the enemy he fought, killing both his oppositions and citizens of the country he was supposed to protect. A president, commander-in-chief of armed forces, a previous army general and also once a lieutenant; all these achievements did not stand a chance against his vile character. An ordinary man of ‘integrity’ with no degree whatsoever would have made a better president than he was. That is to say that the true goal of education is not just about brains or the head but the body as a whole. It is ‘intelligence and character’. The pattern of thought whereby a person with so many achievements is viewed like a king is what clouded the decision-making of the citizens. They could not see that beneath the ranks and badges was a terrible personality.
Our society should not over-emphasize the thinking capacity of a man because that does not mean he is diligent in his works. The character of a person, as he performs his daily routine, is what makes him dine with kings. The character a person possesses is a sign of maturity as the person moves from one stage in life to the next. The child I ‘was’ when I decided to use my mind for making purpose-driven decisions is different from the young lady I ‘am’ as I use my heart to make those same decisions and more. Using the mind to decide is confusing because it only seeks logic and since logic is based on acquired and processed information, it is definitely not all-encompassing; therefore the mind finds it very difficult to arrive at the perfect answer. Thus, it throws up all choices seeking to ‘suggest’ the best possible option. The heart, which is like a compass, takes a bird’s eye view of our lives and says: “This is where you are and this is where you need to go”. It does not suggest; but calmly says what has to be done, presenting the answer simply and straightforwardly. Education, which is the cause of all these waves on decision making, has been classified into two: Formal and Informal.
Formal education refers to knowledge and skills gained within the classroom while informal education is knowledge gained outside the school, in our houses, churches or even a simple habit gained by ourselves. This is a typical demonstration of the mind and heart education. Educating the mind circles around degrees acquired in school, excelling in class activities, solving equations, puzzles, among others. Educating the heart which is the most guaranteed type of education would make one understand the game of life. It does not only affect your academics, but makes a major impact on your life-style. Formal and mind education can only confine you to the four-walls of a classroom. We are taught to think only within our academics which can only mean ‘within a box’ and where there is a box, there is limitation.
Nelson Mandela said: “Education is the most powerful weapon for change”. If we are to make changes, we should not limit ourselves. There is no limitation to changes or making enough impact that can be carried to the next generation. The mind cannot be used to make changes but the heart can be used because with it, there is neither box nor limitation.
Really impressive. It’s a pity that we interprete all of education to formal education and knowledge. We even make it worser by using wrong educating methods. I’ll like you to check my article and have a say on it.
A very inspiring essay. Now I understand what informal education can do in the life of an individual. This essay has my vote.
nice piece! the heart of the developing nations need the best kind of education conscience can afford.
good inspiring essay!!!
An insightful, lyrical essay that enchanted me.
It puts into words my feelings and thoughts on the creative process.
Excellent!
Good write-up,its inspiring. You’re getting matured in the act ”writing”. U’ve my vote
A THRILLING Masterpiece! Good one girl
hats off !! Good job done !!
Good piece of writing
A piece of perceptive and lyrical writing unusual from one so young.
This had a great impact in me.i love it winnie.
This essay is great,i never saw things from this point of view.good job winnie
Wow!!…This is really true…Its been the problem of the educational sector…people really need to read this and learn from it
…an exceptional piece by Winnie Emeh. She’s definitely got my vote. Great job Winnie. Shalom!
Winnie is truly an amazing writer, I have enjoyed all her write ups including this.
You got my vote for this. Go girl.
what a masterpiece! a well thought out essay, my vote is yours. ride on sister.
Quite an inspiring piece. You are a gifted writer winnie, my vote goes to you.
What an inspiring piece. A hundred votes for you. Sky is not the limit.
Winnie, this is amazing. You need to talk to Chimamanda – Half of a Yellow Sun and Purple Hibiscus. Please keep this up. The sky is your beginning.
Wow! Great piece, great writer, very touching & inspiring. i salute u, trust me, u ve my vote as much as you want. Well done Emeh!
i was motivated,inspired and touched by your words…you’ve my vote dearie.
Winnie, you are a role model to many Nigerian youth, your write-up is quite inspirational. keep it up.
Great job done, motivational great piece of writing
miles to go…….
nice piece! the heart of the developing nations need the best kind of education conscience can afford.
Wow!!…This is really true…Its been the problem of the educational sector…people really need to read this and learn from it
A very inspiring essay. Now I understand what informal education can do in the life of an individual. This essay has my vote.
Winnie is truly an amazing writer, I have enjoyed all her write ups including this.
You got my vote for this. Go girl.
Awesome and inspiring…….nice one gal
Winnie i enjoyed this write up from you……………the essay is so inspiring, great job you have my vote.
This is a masterpiece that must be given a royal and undefiled preference, every individual that must break the chains of limitation posed by schooling must strictly consider this excellent work! “Education is what we need and not schooling” the greatest inventors and the richest men on earth where not men that embraced schooling, afterall, professors of engineering, physics, etc, are all repeating theories, professors of economics are not the richest…success is not rated in repetition or theories…it is an act of ingenuity! Schooling is good, but education is ultimate. Emeh, I’m proud of you…it takes only an extra ordinary fellow to think in this manner, but let me remind us that “knowledge is not power, knowledge practicalised is power”. Good Job.
This is very inspiring.keep it up.i vote for you.
impressive…its the best I have read so far..keep it up
Nice one. Keep it up because you are destined for greatness
This is great, motivating, encouraging and inspiring. I commend u winnie
because at dis young age, you are able to understand and bring to
awareness the importance of an all-rounded education, where not just
degrees but character and integrity matters. Kudos! You have my thousand
votes
This is indeed a master piece.well articulated, loaded and awesome. Surely, you are a gift to your generation girl. Please keep it up
i love this exceptional piece. you have my vote winnie. thanks for airing
your voice on this issue confronting so many youths today
You are so talented my dear. I pray & wish we have u as our President some day. You have a broad mind. Keep it up.
This is a job well done. Winnie Emeh has said it all. The fellow who will bring the desired change to the the society is person of unlimited education! This essay is a master piece and a most read to all custodians of educational policies of our time. My girl you’ve got my vote. Keep it up beloved
Great piece Winnie….. I’ve always been about getting an education, be it formal or informal. I believe we’re created for a purpose and to fullfil destiny. At the end of day it is never about the certificate, for we are all certified in different areas of our professional pursuit, but rather what you do with that education. Nice piece.
i have read this twice and still wondering the type of knowledge God has given you to put all these in place, this is “ORIENTATION FROM SOURCE” . You are the best.
It’s a brilliant piece, keep it up. I’m really impressed, you have my vote on this.
A good work of writing with articulate use of vocabulary. You are becoming a great mind that can win the Pulitzer in future. More power to your elbow
At age 10, when your first story book: TALES FOR CHANGE was published; you said that your aim is to contribute to the reading culture of Nigerian Youths. Now, I see what you meant. Education is not just about the mind edification but the change which it should impact upon the life of an individual and the society as a whole. There should also not be any ‘limitation’ to what we have to acquire through education; that is why we should use our God given talents for exploration sake. I hail you my girl; you are already the ORACLE to the world to see education in the totality rather than fill the mind with the ideas of archaic personalities. Ride on Winy, the sky is your starting point! You have my vote on this piece girl.
What an excellent write -up from a young girl. When Chinua Achebe died we taught there won’t be replacement for such a novelist. I am convinced with this write-up that Nigeria and the world at large still have hope. Keep it up, the sky is your stepping stone.
Winnie my dear namesake, this is splendid, coming from a young girl like you. This is great, a big example to our youths of these days who have refused to be serious with thier education. please keep it up, who knows you may be the youngest nobel prize winner for literature. Thumbs up girl you have my vote.
well done Winnie,this will sure be an eye opener for so many. Two thumbs up
Quite an insightful, well articulated, lyrical and perceptive piece. Winnie, you are the best. I am proud of you.
Exellento…this master piece is exceptionally brilliant. You really put light into the educational section and we have seen the stains on the wall. You are definitely getting my vote…..Kudos!!
Thank you everyone for your kind words and encouraging comments. It is good to know that ‘the stains in the wall of our educational sector’ has been brought to awareness in so many eyes. Yes! To all custodians of education and to all individuals, let us go back to the drawing board and re-shape our ‘educational lives’. We are to add bold strokes of ‘heart education’ because with it we cannot practice all the knowledge gained. And only when we do this, can we say: “KNOWLEDGE IS POWER”. In so many developing nations today, we need the best type of education conscience can afford which is UNLIMITED EDUCATION and that comes only from THE HEART.
A Nigerian young girl with this Piece! I’m AMAZED
Indeed, Nigeria is growing. We shouldnt be interested with schooling but rather, EDUCATION. With a lass like like you……Nigeria is at the top. Kudos to you my dear
A cool Masterpiece! The young generation are looking up to you to take up this Challenge.
Thank you very much for your supportive comments. I believe this new found hope would re-ignite the life of every citizen. Yes! What we need in Nigeria as a developing country is EDUCATION and NOT SCHOOLIN
A superb and inspiring write-up,you are a role model to your peer..keep up the good work. All the Best
wow..this is great, will youth’s need to read this article… education is important to the life life of a every youth nowadays….keep it up,the sky we not be your limit, but your starting point.#smiles
This is the finest but simplest truth I have heard from a little girl! It puzzles me how she was able to think this deeply to tell this great truth. I think Winnie is a prodigy. Indeed, in a word, to educate the head (mind as she used it) only is a worthless enterprise. The end is the destruction of man’s humanity. That is why there are too many scholars without morals and self-realization. They spend most of their lives accumulating knowledge as developed by other people, and are so pride of this, but spend little or no time to seat back, exploit the virtue potential of their hearts and become true human beings. The greatest place a true human being should develop is the heart. It is only the development of the heart that can bring about self-development and can develop the force to change the world because this will empower us to first be the change we want in the world. This very truth from Winnie Emeh must remind all of us of the original nature and purpose of true education. All of us because we are all joining this sultry and dreary bandwagon. I subscribe to her position. Winnie, more power to your elbow!
This is kudos to a young girl of this age. Nigerians must retain this talent for future purposes. Ride on gir! You have my vote.
with this piece, I really must say that i’m pleased with you girl. May God enrich your understanding more
I am really impressed with this write-up. Keep it up. Sure you will go places.
the ladder of success is best climbed by stepping on the rungs of opportunity, so this is the opportunity and make use of this opportunity i know you can make it.May GOD bless you to become a success.
Terrific Work, for a Lady of her age. Its inspiring, and I wish I could be like her. Just keep it up and you will be surprise how far this could get you.
Obviously what we call EDUCATION is just a dummy that helps us walk in a circle. TRUE EDUCATION is that liberates the man and helps him to express the way he wants
I believe we can be the change we want to see in the society by attaining the true goal of education, INTELLIGENCE AND CHARACTER. Thanks for all the comments
A very inspiring article from a young mind. We need to think outside the box. I certainly will vote for this article
YES!!!
Winnie has said it all….EDUCATION not SCHOOLING is the break away
from individual limitation in the outside world. Though, it may take a
while, it nevertheless would still be possible.
INTELLIGENCE+CHARACTER=EDUCATION of the heart
yes ”the true goal of education is not about thinking,organizing or comparing information but about acting on a change” i really love this article…the vote is yours Emeh winnie.
wow! i love this winnie i am really inspired…but please dont stop yet because you are surely gonna go places for sure take it from me…winnie God bless you for this write up…i wish for it to go round the world….
i must say am really impressed with this right up and most especially that we as a people are becoming self aware of the true purpose of education- which is a tool for self dicovery and not a means of aquiring the content of an illusive paper certification. this right-up is highly recommended by me for our young people to read. great work dear.
We need to cultivate our ideas into productive ventures than being proud to be called a certified photocopy of other people’s ideas. Let us not even think only outside the box, but without the existence of a box. I am glad that you all share the same idea with me on this particular topic. Thank you for the comments.
Quite motivating. Its time that Nigeria’s educational problem is resolved. Achievememt of schooling is not enough….education is the apex. Winnie has my vote
sincerely, you have proved to me that knowledge is not by age, keep it up.
Winnie, I’ve always asked you what you were looking for in science class.. YOU ARE A BORN WRITER…… this article is very unique.. thumbs up girl…..you have my vote 100%……
You are literal icon in the future, may your star not grow dim.
this is an educational model for all in our contemporary world, where you find people yet to differentiate between formal and informal. however this give a thought in one vision for life. my vote for you is beyond 100%
This is a very intelligent write up. Straight on point with my ideologies. Well done girl. I proud Nigerian says so.