The Craftsman

The Handy One

 Everyday the teachers are bogged down by some minors who refuse to cooperate; some come late, others lose interest in class and still others roam round the school without qualms. There is a particular group who are academically challenged not out of their want but they simply have no interest in books. 

So, the counselors are also putting on their thinking caps each day wondering what can be some practical solutions.

There is an impending need to persuade parents to realize a child's learning capacity and find possible ways to counter the disinterest in studies. One very way is to stimulate vocational skills in the child. 

Strange but true that the real world out there needs people with practical skills; many out there can use the pen and the computer but they do not know some basic living skills...some can consume durians but do not know how to open them. Some can see the bulbs go bust but do not know how to change; I am guilty.

So, today as I reached home, I had a pleasant surprise.

Someone is repairing the teak chairs; at last.

 This set of 4 teak chairs have been with us for the last decade; the wood is solid but the rattan seat top has given way. Dad has tried many times to do some mending...

 It's a simple process; if you are vocational.

 A few pieces of hard wood taken from his store ...

 Some tools, nails, equipment and ...

 A craftsman.

This man has the skill to cut, polish and shape the pieces of wood...

Lo and behold...they are done. Just another coat of paint and the chairs will look as new as before.

So, vocational skills are just as important to complement hard academic skills.

In fact, the skills come in handy for survival ; of course one can say as long as you have the means things can be duly fixed up. But the thrill of getting things fixed up your way give you immense satisfaction and meaning.

So the school must work harder to inform many that vocational skills are just as important as academic skills.

Guess the pay of the workman?

Higher than Sara's intern pay; after going to school for 15 years?

So vocational learning is the way to go too.