Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram   

On principles of conservation

'There is need for a studied approach while implementing reforms in the education sector just as the way heritage buildings and monuments are conserved.'

Mohan Abraham

Director of the State Institute of Educational Management and Training (SIEMAT) Mohan Abraham says there is an underlying link between education and conservation. He shares his thoughts with Sangeeth Kurian

It is quite unlikely for a person heading an institute for educational management and training to talk about conservation, more so even to come up with a book on the subject.

But then Mohan Abraham, director of the newly formed State Institute of Educational Management and Training (SIEMAT), strongly feels there is an underlying link between the two.

He says documentation, the most important aspect in conservation, is relevant in the field of education too. "Any reform in the education sector can take place only by understanding the existing situation. For this, documentation is essential," says this civil engineer and a postgraduate in conservation from Italy.

"There is also need for an in-depth and studied approach while implementing reforms in the education sector just like the way heritage buildings and monuments are conserved," he adds. SIEMAT, set up in July last, aims to achieve `sustainable quality schooling' in the State through research, policy planning and training programmes as per the directives of the Education Department. The functioning of the institute is governed by a 22-member general council chaired by Minister for Education, M.A. Baby.

Some of the research projects undertaken by the institute include a review of the noon meal scheme in the State, study for documenting and disseminating good practices of best performing schools and preparing charts for the DEO and AEO offices to make service delivery quicker, simpler and transparent.

Mr. Abraham says: "How many school authorities in the State have a vision on how their institutions should be in 2010?. Most of them are not even aware about their responsibilities," says the former director of Vocational Higher Secondary Education. "A teacher should always be a student and a researcher, but in practice, how many are following it?" he asks. This is precisely the role of SIEMAT, which has the mandate to make interventions and evaluate and monitor the education system to achieve better results.

"We will find out the flaws and how they can be rectified through effective policy planning, management and evaluation," says Mr. Abraham. "We have strong assets in our schools in terms of library facilities and laboratories. But, there is lack of plan for its effective utilisation. The Headmaster of every school should have a vision about his institution," says Mr. Abraham.

Mr. Abraham's book on the `Principles of Conservation' will hit the stands in September.

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