EDUCATION, TECHNOLOGY & ADVANCEMENT
As Trinidadians we pride ourselves as being a highly literate population. We basically have access to free education at the Primary, Secondary and somewhat Tertiary levels. We celebrate our examination successes and graduation photos very much for our friends to adore.
From very young, graduations ceremonies have become significant milestones, even from completing pre-school and in some cases daycares.
However, beyond the high literacy, academic achievements, graduation ceremonies and expensive photos decked in full kit, it would seem as if all efforts our achievements amounts to nothing in the ever advancing global world of developing technology.
In some instances, massive billboards are erected along highways and by other means, rewarding global academic achievements . Yet, we are not boasting about Technological Breakthroughs in automation, medicine, information systems or software development
We have become comfortable within the bubble we live and see the acquiring of Post Graduate Degrees as our mecca of academic achievement.
Rightfully, such achievements are supposed to be a platform to enter into further research and development, but is used locally to gain some advantage over lesser qualified persons when applying for certain jobs or the push for a vacant supervisor or manager position which any person who would have completed A Levels/Cape or has a first degree would have possessed the aptitude and been able to efficiently function in.
In 1970, The Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI), was established. Initially the intent looked promising. Today, 50 years later, our existence in the technology, research & development world remains lame at best. Countries which have weathered more serious economic challenges than us, like Malaysia, Indonesia and some South American countries, have able to stamp their feet in the world of advanced technology.
India and Pakistan have been able to produce software engineers at an alarming rate to the extent that their services are sought globally for APP Development Solutions: Something which requires little major financial input but more time, dedication, willingness and aptitude. We have failed to maximize our academic foundation to acquire relevance regarding technology.
The average Student who would have earned degrees in Information Systems/ICT, is probably now employed as an IT help desk clerk or within a company as the PC/ Network Tech, fixing/troubleshooting computers, printers and Network Issues. Ironically, for jobs like this, any person earning an A+ or Network + certificates would be aptly competent to function in such capacity. Degree holders would have been more productive as persons involved in Network Security, Software and Application Development, Microprocessor Manufacturing etc.
In this area, individuals cannot be dependent on any government to further develop on the solid foundation which they have received. It’s the self capacity of passion and wanting to acquire your fullest potential which makes the difference.
Our culturing has taught us to be humble and content with small mercies. Therefore we do just enough to allow ourselves to sustain our status quo.
We need to pause for a moment and have a look at the progressive global dependence on Technology and come to the understanding that if mindsets are not challenged and eventually changed, we as a nation and a people would be left behind. This is also to be taken into context with the changing face of geo-politics.
The world is changing rapidly and we may find ourselves being somewhat literal slaves once again within a new world order.
We need to empower ourselves in every possible way, unearthing our inner desires with passion and determination, striving to become the best we can be.