These words, attributed to Plato, the famous philosopher and educator, remind us that childhood is a precious and unique time in one’s life span. It is a period of constructing meaning for “Self” and nurturing the innate potential. Childhood also presents a kaleidoscope of possibilities that emerge as a result of the interplay of many social, cultural, biological, linguistic and spiritual factors. Current research and the developmental theories of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, John Dewey, Noam Chomsky and others convincingly argue that children have a natural affinity for drama, nature, language, art and poetry all of which are necessary for their development and should be encouraged in social and educational institutions. Ironically, we have not only completely ignored children’s natural desire to be free, imaginative, curious and artistic but have instead developed and perpetuated systems which have proved hazardous to their cognitive, emotional and physical health.
Moreover, dominant paradigms such as development and globalization devised in the guise of being progressive and facilitative have resulted in singularity, mono-culture, individualistic gains, and cutthroat competition. Corporate led market driven forces, consumerism, technology and media have usurped the role once assumed by family, home and community. In short, commodification of childhood and turning children into mere consumers of products and knowledge is clearly and convincingly leading us to a dehumanized society which does not value human beings, cultures, traditions, pluralism, creativity, morality and inter-generational and indigenous knowledge systems.
The 3-day symposium aims to challenge the assumption that children’s success, be it in school or anywhere else, is a goal unto itself, rather than a by-product of children who are happy, well-loved, and allowed to develop at their own pace. The symposium seeks to evoke a powerful reminder to all of us of what childhood is ideally meant to be in the first place.
A day-long conference will aim at engaging the decision and policy makers in a dialogue to review challenges and opportunities for Early Childhood Development in Pakistan.
