Implementation Strategies for Moral Values Education

Implementation Strategies for Moral Values Education

in the Teaching Curriculum of T&T.
Preamble:
There are possibly many plans and reports concerning the teaching of moral education
that are already completed, approved and awaiting implementation. In general, the time
intervals between the approval of plans and their implementation are extraordinarily long.
This problem is not singular to any one group, but it is a dilemma in all disciplines
throughout the country. The reasons are well known and they include bureaucracy, lack of
initiative, responsibility, cooperation coupled with the will to delegate, articulate and selfempowerment. They are many excellent reasons why this malaise is allowed to
perpetuate unchallenged. These reasons include lack of training, authorization, competent
staff and most common of all, there is no budget appropriation. The approach offered in
this paper may appear over-simplistic, ordinary and possibly chaotic, but if it can do the
job, it's worth the try, because it costs little except your precious time, effort and
dedication.
Existing Curriculum and Systems.
There is some provision in the present curriculum for the teaching of Religious Education
or Religious Instruction. Let me say that "Values Education" should never ever be
considered a substitute for Religious Education or Instruction. For the purpose of this
implementation initiative, values and religious education are distinct and separate if only
in motive. Some of the real issues that hinder the teaching of religious education are fear
by the concerned groups in terms of subject matter, cultural renovation and forced
religious beliefs on their followers. This is compounded be the scarcity of adequate and
trained personnel in the many religious disciplines to comply with the assignment. This is
further hindered by the provision of stipends for those who are competent and can offer
the service. These are valid enough reasons and must be accepted within the context of a
plural society, diversity in beliefs and the many existing financial constraints.
Training and Retraining for Religious Education.
Training as well as retraining of teachers is a necessary and viable alternative. The reality
of this approach is that you first have to agree on a schedule to train and retrain in excess
of 12000 teachers, principals and educators. There is a time factor that can span 3-5 years
to complete this assignment before all teachers are confident that they can do justice to
this delicate subject. There is also the question of remuneration for this effort, as many
are guided by unions, personal agendas, apathy and not solely for love of the profession
or conscience. Then there is the question of prescribed texts and this can be a long and
perpetual exercise. By examination of the possible hurdles that have to be addressed, it is
not likely that this program can be initiated within a reasonable time frame. There are
already major projects on stream such as the restructuring of the common entrance

examination and the junior secondary school system in its present mode. The end result
is that the horse starves while the grass grows. The teaching of values education is
nothing new, for it existed even before formal secular education, but was allowed to take
a back seat in lieu of more bread and butter issues.
Why "Values Education" or "Moral Skills"?
The reason for proposing the teaching of "values education" on a limited scale initially is
to initiate immediate implementation. Values education is more universal in concept and
would be accepted more readily. Values education as proposed would be based on the
innate values and the moral positive qualities. For instance, the following twelve values
surfaced from a United Nations Project in 1994/95 from some 70 countries. The name of
the project was "Sharing our Values for a Better World". Each country submitted 12
values and from those submitted, a common twelve surfaced. Each month, one value was
adopted in all of the participating countries and this value was studied with the attendant
workshops, lectures, drama, songs, and essays. A book entitled "Living Values" resulted
from this project. A program called "An Education Initiative" with the attendant Syllabus
and workshops are now subject to pilot projects in over 70 countries worldwide. The
Living Values guidebook focuses on the 12 values: Cooperation, Freedom,
Happiness, Honesty, Humility, Love, Peace, Respect, Responsibility, Simplicity,
Tolerance and Unity. These values focused on the Preamble of the Charter of the United
Nations: "To Reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the
human person".
How to Initiate a Pilot Project Simultaneously in all Schools?
Start with a very simple syllabus. It is better at this stage to learn from the experiences
and develop a more user-friendly syllabus rather than try to design a comprehensive
syllabus with resource material and then implement. The obstacles with a very simple
syllabus are minimal.
1. The ministry through the school supervisors and principals can agree on the
concept of a small programme that includes the same 12 values or any 12 of their
choice.
2. Then each County Supervisor together with the Principals and Vice- Principals
can agree and formalize on implementation procedures.
3. Each Principal can then use moral suasion to influence his/her own staff to show
cooperation and responsibility. However Principals must lead by example.
Material to Initiate Teaching.
There are many texts available that deals specifically with Education in Human Values. It
is advisable that one text be chosen. However, this may cause some problems as some of
these texts have their genesis in specific religious or spiritual institutions. I see no

problem with them as they deal with values and not religious history or specific
doctrines. To avoid that, specific extracts can be excised and copied to schools and
permission can be sought from the institutions to satisfy the copyright act. The same
information should be available to all schools. The material should be simple and concise
for teachers to read and prepare their teaching scripts.
School and Student Activities.
1. Principals should encourage values-education essay writing both competitive and
non-competitive.
2. Poetry, Songs and Drama should be initiated at all levels. (Keep It Sweet and
Simple (KISS)).
3. Debating on these topics should be developed intra and inter schools.
4. The PTA's should play an active role to promote these values at home, the
community and the workplace.
5. The print and electronic media should be influenced to encourage dialogue on
these values and publish the chosen piece on a weekly basis as a social service.
6.
The Information Division should allow for discussion and promotion on these
values on the government channel.
7.
Jingles on values should be aired as these tend to be catchy.
Introduction of the Values - The Initial Approach.
At the beginning of the next semester, the Principals should gently discuss with the staff
the introduction of teaching moral values during every subject. The approach should be
almost incognito to the students. Every teacher should study the topic, let's say "honesty".
Then the teacher should look for related examples in the particular discipline and bring
out how it can be used as well as how it enhances the end result. In a 40 minutes class
period, at least 5-10 minutes should be spent on that particular topic. For example, if in
mathematics, the situation relates to where a child buys 60 cents worth of articles and
receives 50 cents change instead of 40 cents after paying with a dollar, the teacher can
use this opportunity to discuss honesty, integrity and respect. The teacher should ask the
class what are the consequences that can follow if the child walks away knowing the
change was in excess. The teacher can discuss how that amount will have to be deducted
from the sales clerk salary as that ten cents may go towards buying articles for the
salesperson child. The teacher can build on that and give a complete lesson on the merits
and benefits of honesty. Similarly, examples can be simulated in every subject. This
method would have the most impact on students. All teachers would get the opportunity
to build on their own skills on teaching values, rather than having specialist teachers. The
sample syllabus provides many examples.
How the Other Disciplines Can Assist.
In history, literature and social studies, filler books can be introduced to bring out
the "history" of the many religions. The technique of teaching the history of the religion

can be effectively taught so that students can at least understand and appreciate the
existence of other religions. Students ought not be tested or graded as this is meant for
general knowledge. This need some extra care and teacher training. The prescribed RI
classes are distinct and separate and denominational schools should have fewer problems
than government schools. This is where the IRO, the different religious bodies, the
communities and audio-visual efforts can assist.
Positive Thinking and Stress Managing Seminars.
Principals should explore the possibility of exposing their staff to positive thinking
classes. Positive thinking is an integral part of values education. It builds self-esteem and
confidence in people. Positive thinking is inherent in stress free living. Some training and
guidance are necessary.
Role of the Representative Union(s).
There ought to be some consultation with the union at the highest possible level. It would
be disastrous if this was not done. Even union members are parents or
guardians and they also have a "heart". This program should not begin without
meaningful consultation with the concerned players. I feel certain that they may surprise
all and place body, mind and soul to develop the programme. Do not attempt to use the
"big stick" approach if there was ever one. This programme is very close to the hearts of
every citizen. Initial talks should begin soonest at Government level. It is time we
demonstrate to the world that we may have many concerned groups as "bodies",
but there is one soul and that is Trinidad and Tobago.
Environmental and Mental Pollution Have no Boundaries.
Today, the world is helplessly witnessing the deterioration of the environment and the
degradation of humanity. Both the environment and humanity are weak and helpless
and none can help each other. There is no more place to hide and there is no more
place to run and time is running out. Children are exposed to volumes of profanity and
promiscuity under the banner of "adult" education. "Adult" here means it not okay for
children to read or view, but it is permissible for adults. This is the biggest fallacy, hoax
and con-job perpertrated on humanity without their awareness. Who gave
adults this right? No wonder it is written "that what you sow is what you reap".
Familiarity breeds contempt and profanity breeds "amorality".
Morality, Immorality and Amorality.
Morality is to live within the code of ethics as outlined by the divine innate values,
qualities and attributes. Immorality is to adopt the "acquired vices" of anger, greed, ego,
lust and attachment. However "amorality" is when humanity no longer knows the
difference between morality and immorality. This is when nothing matters and you get
trapped inside a "vicious" circle with no one to trust and no one to turn to. You are just as
good as dead! dead! dead!. The conscience is the final arbiter to remind you what is

wrong and what is right, however it becomes dormant and goes into hibernation when its
advice goes unwanted. It ceases to function after being neglected. When the conscience
reaches this state of dormancy, then immorality passes for morality because all
things become "legally or politically correct" or "perfectly logical". It is then
humanity becomes the victims of its own selfish motivation.
Ancient Role of Educators, Principals and Teachers.
In ancient times, both authority and the church was under one governance. Leaders were
then addressed as His/Her Holiness and Highness. The first tutorship children received
was moral education and later secular education followed. This is the main reason that
"teaching" became the most noble profession. The power and conduct of a nation were
solely in the hands of the Educators. In the beginning of the copper age, Authority
and the Church separated. However very silently, "Authority" manipulated the
"Church". Today Educators have lost that title of leaders and have adopted the role of
followers. Great civilizations have been lost and forgotten because of immorality and
many others are now disguised under amorality. It is said False prophets would be
honoured. It is now incumbent upon you Educators of this august assembly to assume
your rightful place. If you assume your rightful place, then you would have prepared our
children and by extension the nation to have "choice" in what passes as education.
Examine what passes as education and is beamed to the children in their living rooms
through the Internet, electronic and print media without consent. Your have the power and
the skills to do the job. If you start small, I am sure you will have the support of the
country. Values education is nothing new to you. You can now make the difference, but
you have to be examplers
This Auspicious Gathering of Educators.
This gathering of Principals and Educators is possibly by far the most important
assembly for the next generation. The outcome of the deliberations of this gathering
will have the greatest impact towards the future of this country. If the decisions of this
auspicious assembly are spiritual, simple and clean, the outcome will be such that
history will record your efforts as those who made the difference. Every decision you
take today must be empowered with selfless motivation and filled with purity in thoughts,
words and actions. Your profession leaves you no choice but to be the leaders of our
children future and this country prosperity and happiness. Teaching is too noble a
profession and you must rise to the occasion. Use the balance of law and love.
Conclusion.
1. It is not practical to legislate values and virtues. Values are normally taught by
example Remember, if it is to be, then change must begin with me". Don't look for
others to change first.
2. Just as pollution has no boundaries, similarly, crime has no boundaries. There is
just no more place to hide or no more place to run. Your only protection is spiritual
protection. Inculcate strong moral values and develop "choice".

3. Decorate yourselves and your children with moral values and virtues, not guns,
knives and arrogance.
4. World leaders are now espousing that nuclear weapons capable of mass destruction are
only a deterrent and would not be used. What arrogance? Then by extension, children can
arm themselves with knives and guns and claim that they are only a deterrent.
6. For teachers and educators, it is not okay to say: That I have a few more years before
retirement; I will ride out that time; that my children are all grown and well educated with
good jobs; let somebody else do the job; for what can I alone do; that I am fed-up giving
advice and recommendations; it for those upstairs to act. The children you neglect or
are neglected may be your future sons and daughters-in-law. They may become your
neighbour, postman and worst yet, the one who administers over your pension
benefits. The child you save might be your own. The life after retirement that you
wished for may depend on their values.
7. Teachers and educators, hear with your ears, see with your eyes, listen with your
intellect, but act with your heart. Teaching "values education" is not a job, it is a mission
and a journey.
8. Remember, a change in your inner world of thoughts brings a corresponding
change in the outer world of events.
9.Values education and its practice have always been the moral fabric of that once noble
profession of teaching.
Benefits of Values Education.
Imbibing and inculcation values reduce your stress levels. Believe it or not, it can stretch
the spending power of your pay package.
It produces and honest and effective workforce. An orderly society emerges and there is
minimum strain on the economy.
A sense or pride is created and a feeling of self-worth emerges. Fear of living reduces.
About the Author.
The author, BK Khem Jokhoo is an engineer by profession. He has 33 years experience in
the Oil, Gas and Petrochemical Sectors in various capacities and responsibilities. He has
had some teaching experience early in his career. In the last 10 years, he has done
extensive studies in values and spirituality both privately and at the Brahma Kumaris
World Spiritual University in Rajasthan India. He has published many technical papers in
many established world journals. He is the author of Festival, Values and
Commentaries of the Worlds Oldest Religion and has published many spiritual

papers, some dealing with moral values.

He is currently the President of the Trinidad Nitrogen Co., Ltd. and a student/ teacher at
the Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga Centre in Trinidad. He has done some voluntary values
education programmes at several secondary schools in Trinidad. He also teaches positive
thinking, stress free living, self-management courses and has expertise as a change
management specialist. He is also a teacher of Yoga and Meditation.

Attachment 1
Human, Moral and Spiritual Values
There is a distinction between human, moral and spiritual values. Human values are those
that distinguish man from other animals. These are basic which man should imbibe, and
inculcate and which should always be reflected in his personality. Moral values are for a
man who wishes to be a higher, elevated and nobler human being. And spiritual values
are those values that are necessary for the spiritual growth of a human being or which are
essential for self -realization and God-realization.

36 Virtues for Study

Introspection, maturity, cheerfulness, tolerance, humility, sweetness, mercy,
lightness, honesty, contentment, patience, fearlessness, purity, wisdom,
generosity, truthfulness, benevolence, respectful, obedience, royalty, tirelessness,
surrender, carefree, accuracy, self-confidence, discipline, cleanliness,
determination, stability, simplicity, co-operation, detachment, serenity,
flexibility, love, peace, purity, and happiness.
The Sixteen Arts of Life:
The art of administration, communication, dealing with others, developing,
keeping others contended and happy, keeping secrets, leadership, learning and
teaching, organizing, reforming, refreshing, remaining happy and content,
serving and helping, winning friends, and the art of work and leisure.
Positive Thinking
1.
A positive thought is one when translated into words or action brings benefit to
yourself, to others in society, to the environment and to the Creator. If a thought does
not satisfy these four conditions, then there is some weakness or defect in that
thought.
2.
A waste or idle thought is one that has the potential to become negative.
3.
A negative thought is one when manifested into words or action brings hurt or
sorrow to the self, others in society, the environment or the Creator.
4.
Meditation is simply the management of your thoughts. It gives you the power

to think what you want, when you want and where you want.

Attachment 2

The Eight Powers

Beings

That Are Innate in Human

The eight powers available to all human beings are the powers, viz.: to Pack up,
Tolerate, Accommodate, Discriminate, Judge, Face, Cooperate and Withdraw. There is
however a relationship between Values, Quality and a Power. "Values" are virtues,
ideals and qualities on which actions and beliefs are based. Values are guiding principles
which shape our world outlook, attitudes and conduct. Values however are either
"innate" or "acquired". Innate values are our inborn divine virtues such as love, peace,
happiness, mercy and compassion as well as the positive moral qualities such as respect,
tolerance, responsibility, cooperation, honesty and simplicity. Innate values are common
to every soul. Acquired values are those adopted at your "place of birth" or "place of
growth" and are influenced by the immediate environment. Examples of acquired values
are mode of dress, the way you bless, customs, habits and tendencies. A "Quality" is a
characteristic which can be seen, admired or appreciated in someone, but the admirer
may or may not feel or experience that quality. A "Power" is a overwhelming force,
determination or might that cannot remain hidden and it is a constant source of
inspiration to others so that they too can benefit from its vibrations and cause change to
themselves to also become powerful.
The eight powers are such that in any situation there will be at least one of these powers
available for your use. The correct choice of that power will depend on the clarity of
thought, calmness of mind and orderliness of the intellect. Success is based on using
the correct power at the right time.
1. The power to pack up is to dispose of all idle, waste and negative thoughts and act on
only positive thoughts. A positive thought is any thought when manifested into words or
actions brings benefit to yourself, others in society, the environment and to the Creator.
If it does satisfy these four conditions, there is some weakness and it is deemed negative
and will cause sorrow somewhere. When you apply the power to" pack up" waste
thoughts, it means you are then "traveling light" and then you practice the "incarnation
of economy" which means that you get the "optimum returns with least expenditure".
There is no wastage. Wastage of any kind is the genesis of pollution, be it mental or
physical. This economy brings power and a completely positive outlook in everything.
Difficult tasks becomes easy and impossible ones suddenly becomes possible.
2. The power to tolerate difficulties involves the ability to go beyond the influence of
negative situations and to be able to react indifferently not even in thoughts. If someone
offers you insults, criticisms or anger, or even if you endure physical suffering, you can
still remain peaceful and happy if you have the power to tolerate. The power to tolerate
is a GREAT STRENGTH to the wise, it appears as a weakness to the egoist. The power to
tolerate embraces the powers of humility, responsibility, self respect and cooperation.

The power to tolerate brings the maximum benefit when applied with love, mercy and
compassion. It is like the fruit tree that bends with all humility to lower its fruits for
picking and gives freely of its fruits even when pelted with sticks and stones.
3. The power to accommodate is the power to be above any clash of personality or
nature. It is to be able to adjust and change negative situations into opportunities without
creating conflicts. Just as the ocean accommodates and separates the waste from all the
rivers, so too do not reject anyone, but change relationships through the powers of good
wishes.
4. The power to discriminate is to apply the correct values to the thoughts, words and
actions of yourself and others. Just as a jeweller can discriminate false from real
diamonds, so you should be able to keep positive, worthwhile thoughts and discard the
negative harmful ones. It is the negative thoughts which often cloud true discrimination
because you lose objectivity and clarity in thoughts when the motive is selfish, injurious
and deceitful. You have to be like a swan who can pick out the gems from among the
stones with immaculate accuracy.
5. The power to judge allows you take and make quick, clear, accurate and unbiased
decisions consistently. You have to free from the attraction and influence of emotions and
opinions of others. You need a clear understanding of what is spiritually right from what
is morally wrong. This needs clarity of thought when there is harmony of the mind and
intellect with a detached perspective. Never set out to look for the defects in others first.
Always be part of the solution and not part of the problem. Always stand back from a
position outside the problem. When you stand on top of the mountain, the city below
looks small and friendly, when you are lost in the forest, you cannot even see the trees.
6. The power to face obstacles in life is courage. There is always a solution to a
problem. Problems do not exist forever. Therefore start looking for the smallest iota of
positivity in the most difficult situation where all seems hopeless. When you see that little
ray of hope, build on it and hold steadfastly and that growth will overcome all the
defects. When faced with the vices of anger, greed, ego, lust and attachment, do not
engage in a direct fight to with them, instead fill yourself with the virtues of tolerance,
contentment, humility, purity and detachment from deep within and the vices will be
displaced. Courage is the nourishment of the strong to make the impossible become
possible and the weapon to conquer all difficulties.
7. The power to cooperate with others and the environment requires the understanding
that that you have to know when to give cooperation as well as to know when to take
cooperation. Cooperation has a great affinity for taking and giving responsibility.
Cooperation is to understand that all souls are children of the One Father. This is the
concept of "brotherhood". The feeling and attitude of brotherly vision creates unity and
strength and makes any task easy. Cooperation is the understanding that no man is an
island and wastage is to commit spiritual suicide, if not today, then tomorrow. Your
conscience is but the judicial arm of that law of karma that dispenses divine justice and
for this "nothing is for free in this world". There is a equal price on all your thoughts and

actions.
8. The power to withdraw your thoughts is possible even while you perform activity.
Naturally your thoughts must be involved, but during any task you can withdraw and
check yourself with the consciousness of your inner peace even for a brief second.
Always check for defects and correct if necessary. Like the tortoise who withdraws its
legs and take protection with its hard shell on hearing unfamiliar sounds or detects
impending danger, so too, withdraw yourself and go deep within and regain your inner
strength using the innate values as protection. When there are obstacles or difficulties
facing you, look first within for the solution and not without.
To be successful in total quality management, total quality performance and total quality
products or services, total quality values are essential. Quality nurtures itself on values
and there is no alternative. What is sown must be reaped. Nothing more, nothing less