2025: Begin with Empathy

As we approach the New Year, it is natural to reflect on the current state of the world. History reminds us that the human journey has often been marked by a struggle for survival where "might is right" and the fittest thrive.

Standing on the precipice of a new year, the world presents a complex and often troubling picture. While history is replete with tales of human struggle and triumph, the current landscape is marked by stark inequalities, eroding freedoms, and a growing chasm between the privileged and the marginalized. In the face of these challenges, it is imperative that we, as educators, inspire hope and nurture a vision of a just and equitable world in the hearts of our  young students.

In the wake of recent global events, the growing conflicts in different parts of the world and the subsequent human tragedy, we are witnessing complete silence, mute and fractured institutional responses. Universities and other centers of learning including academia which should serve as bastions of critical thinking and moral courage, appear compromised. Their silence or selective response calls for serious reflection and raises urgent questions about the values we instil in future leaders

As educators, how do we ensure that institutions and their students uphold a universal mandate for goodness, equity, and the well-being of humanity? The age-old question of what constitutes good and evil remains pivotal in shaping human societies. Goodness aligns with universal principles of justice, compassion, and truth, while evil often manifests in oppression, apathy, and the erosion of these principles. The Gaza conflict, with its profound human suffering, serves as a stark reminder that moral clarity is both necessary and urgent. When institutions falter in addressing such issues, they risk normalizing apathy and eroding the foundation of ethical leadership.

First, we must help our students understand the world as it is. The growing inequalities, the dominance of technology-driven elites, and the struggles of marginalized communities are not new phenomena. However, by framing these as challenges rather than insurmountable realities, we equip children with the power to question and the courage to seek solutions.

Educational institutions are not mere repositories of knowledge but crucibles where values, beliefs, and leadership principles are forged. Their silence or fractured response to crises suggests a departure from their universal mandate such as justice, equity, and human dignity. These principles should guide their policies, curricula, and responses to global events. Institutions must show moral courage and empower students and faculty to speak out against injustices, fostering a culture where taking a stand for the "hard right" becomes non-negotiable and open discussions on complex and controversial issues, such as global conflicts and human rights violations, are essential. These dialogues should be grounded in critical thinking, empathy, and a commitment to truth.

To ensure that education remains a force for good, we must embed certain principles as non-negotiable:

Ethical Leadership: Students should be taught that leadership entails accountability and an unwavering commitment to justice, even in the face of adversity.

Universal Human Rights: Curricula must emphasize the importance of upholding human rights and recognizing the interconnectedness of humanity.

Institutional Accountability: Universities and schools must be held accountable for their actions and inactions, ensuring that they live up to their foundational values.

Action-Oriented Education: Beyond teaching, institutions should actively engage in initiatives that address societal challenges, demonstrating their commitment to making a tangible difference.

As educators, we bear the responsibility of preparing students to navigate and challenge the complexities of the world by equipping  students with the tools to distinguish between right and wrong, based on universal principles rather than convenience or bias. Modelling Integrity to lead by example, showing that standing for what is right often requires courage and sacrifice but is ultimately indispensable. Push for reforms within educational systems to ensure that they align with their stated values and mandates.

A just world begins with empathy. By teaching students to value diversity, understand different perspectives, and stand in solidarity with the oppressed, we lay the groundwork for an inclusive society. Role-playing exercises, community service initiatives, and reading diverse narratives can help instil these values in young minds. Students should not only think about justice but act upon it. Encourage participation in social projects, awareness campaigns, and civic activities.

Ethics and morality should be cornerstones of education. Through storytelling, debates, and real-world scenarios, students can grapple with questions of right and wrong, fairness, and justice. Discussing the compromises of the "elite" or the struggles of the marginalized can help them evaluate the impact of choices on society at large.

Highlight the lives of individuals who have championed justice—from historical figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. to modern activists. These stories remind students that change is possible, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

While technology has contributed to inequality, it also holds the power to bridge gaps and amplify voices. Teach students to use technology responsibly, leveraging it for advocacy, learning, and innovation that benefits society.

Finally, instil hope. Acknowledge the imperfections of the world, but emphasize the progress humanity has made—from the abolition of slavery to advancements in human rights. Hope fuels perseverance, and it is our role as educators to ensure that our students carry it forward. The foundation of a just and equitable society lies in education. By upholding universal values and fostering a culture of critical thinking, empathy, and action, we can empower our students to become agents of change and build a better future for all.

Dr. Farooq Wasil, a published author, and an educationist, Founding Director of Thinksite Services Private Limited  and  currently CAO of Vasal Education Group. He has over four decades of experience in the field of Education Management—setting up, operating and managing Schools.