Christianity and education

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has acknowledged and appreciated the contribution made by Christianity in the sphere of education and moral upliftment in Sri Lankan society. Receiving the Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and Sacraments in the Vatican His Eminence Antonio Cardinal Canizares at Temple Trees on Friday the President said Christianity has made a major contribution to education and spiritual and moral enhancement of Sri Lankan Society during the last 500 years.

Few would contest this assertion by the President. Today Christian schools are the envy of most and stands tall in the country’s educational landscape. The reputation of some of these schools are such that most of our high ranking politicians have made these Christian schools the first option for their progeny despite professing a different faith.

There are definite reasons for this. One of them is the quality of education imparted in these schools. Missionary schools are known for their exact standards and strict regimentation that goes a long way towards moulding character and discipline. The long history of these schools, the legends associated with them and the many landmarks in the sphere of education and sports also make them the first preference for the majority of parents.

The contribution made by the early missionary schools towards developing the country’s education system, cannot be overemphasized. They were in the forefront of not only imparting a sound education but also instilling moral and ethical values in their charges which has left an indelible impression on society. Discipline and character formation is another virtue emphasized in missionary schools from their very inception. What is envisaged is a rounded development of the student so that he would be well equipped to be an asset to society once he leaves the portals of learning.

Such was the value attached to these institutions of learning in the past that some of our reputed Southern politicians of yore had their academic grounding in the well-known missionary schools in the North with commanded high standards. As already mentioned these schools not only provided a sound education but also moulded character and discipline preparing their charges to face society with confidence. It is significant here to note that it was the missionary schools that first introduced sports as an extra curricular activity - a feature that is synonymous with discipline and charter building.

Christian schools also had their unique characteristics that set them apart from other educational institutions, that were an integral part of their popularity. This quality was enhanced by the great educationists that presided over the destinies of these missionary schools. Names such as Rev Fr. Perter Pillai, Fr. Legoc, Fr. Mercelline Jayakody and Warden Stone readily come to mind. They not only played a major role in raising the standards of the missionary schools over which they presided but ventured out to contribute to the social and cultural life of the country too. One of them was the pioneer of the Wages Board and Shop and Office Act which provided much solace to the working class of this country while another was a household in the field of indigenous arts. The reputation built around them also made missionary schools a ready draw to parents of all religious denominations to secure a better future for their children.

These missionary schools did not always have it easy going and at times were buffeted by the winds of political and social changes. They had to face many challenges in the history of their existence including the Government take over of denominational schools, but came through these experiences unscathed, which speaks volumes for their resilience and character. Today the reputation of these Christian schools is such that parents clamour to get their children admitted to these institutions even at tremendous sacrifice. This is a tribute and acknowledgement of not only the quality of the education imparted at these institutions but also the unique grounding received by the student that would assure for him a bright future.

For today the reputation of these schools are such that they are in most instances the key to employment opportunities in the Mercantile sector which is another reason for the high demand for admission to these schools. Besides the old school tie is still a predominant factor in successful access to employment.

The admission of a large proportion of non-Christians to missionary schools have also contributed towards enhancing amity and concord among different religious groups and communities and fostered brotherhood that is vital for a country emerging from the trauma of division.