Adaptation is the key for survival and success
Sri Lankan students have just completed the long awaited G.C.E Ordinary level examination. Apart from the exam being postponed, these students had to endure a range of difficulties that no other generation of students have had to experience. Preparing for an examination under the uncertain and unpleasant social, economic and political climate that Sri Lanka experienced during the last few months would have only added to the misery they had to go through due to the pandemic lock down and the teachers strike. While appreciating and congratulating them on the courage and commitment of these students I would hope the psychological strength they gained as a result of having to undergo such unfortunate conditions would have built their character and resilience.Having overcome one hurdle, the next challenge for these children and their parents is to plan their higher education. Considering the global economic issues predicted and the current uncertainty in social, economic and political environment which is expected to get worse, we need to be strategic and cautious about the choices we make.
Every obstacle provides us with an opportunity to change and become better. Therefore one positive outcome of the current disadvantageous situation is that we are forced to think, plan and pre calculate all aspects of our lives. Adaptation is the key for survival and success. We have to give up our traditional choices and methods and embrace more efficient, productive and expedited paths if we are to survive as individuals, families and a nation.
Most developed countries have achieved economic success by frequently updating and upgrading their higher education systems. Modernizations of curricula, assessments and policies have helped them produce the human resources they need. It is high time that we also adapt the same strategy.
One key difference is the choices available to our students. Most parents still discourage children from taking up non-traditional fields of study. Sticking to the same options has not only led to very high competition but also missing out on a range of global opportunities.
Another factor that directly affects the efficiency of our system is the average age a student graduates with their first degree. Students in most countries now obtain their first degree in their early twenties. In USA and Europe most have completed their bachelor’s degree by 22 – 23 years. In Sri Lanka most students graduate in their late twenties. You find many in their early thirties still engaged in their studies depending on parents. Continuing this will never allow us to come out of the socio-economic issues we face as a country.
It is time for us to rethink the traditional paths we take. If there are accepted, recognised and accredited paths available for us to start our higher education as early as possible and then become employable at a younger age, we must take up those opportunities. Qualifying at a younger age will provide them with a chance of gaining required work experience at a much younger age. This will help them climb the ladder faster and achieve professional success and financial stability much earlier.
Vision of CIIHE is to strengthen the younger generation to face challenges and become successful by enhancing their knowledge and skills. Our goal is to produce globally employable graduates in the fields where there is a demand in the future.
Being futuristic we have introduced a range of qualification that students could start soon after they complete their O/L examinations. Passing O/L is essential as en entry qualification for these programmes but that doesn’t mean you need to wait until the results are released. If you are confident that you will achieve the minimum requirements, you could start your programme while you wait for the results. Students will receive a conditional entry to these programmes and by the time they receive the results, they have already completed a substantial portion of the qualification.
Traditional option of completing O/L, waiting for results, completing A/L and waiting for results to enter university education is considered outdated in many parts of the world. Replacing A/L with foundation programmes will provide you the opportunity to get qualified and start a job, at least three years earlier. Apart from saving 3 years of your life, it will save millions of rupees that you will spend as school fees, tuition fees, examination fees, transport etc.
However one should remember that expedited doesn’t mean a short cut. There are no short cuts to academic or professional qualifications. You must be careful to select an accredited and a recognised path. Especially qualifications that are not only locally recognised but also are internationally recognised. You should be cautious to evaluate every aspect and take an informed decision avoiding many bogus qualifications and mushrooming higher education places that are only commercially motivated.
CIIHE have organised a range of internationally accredited short term courses for students who have just completed their O/L’s. Students are able to complete them within 6 months to 1 year. This will provide an opportunity for the students to get a taste of the fields of study they prefer. If they are happy with the programme they could take the next level and enter their bachelor’s degrees within about a year. If not they could enter another field, using the qualification they obtained as an entry qualification. Time they spend doing these programmes during their holidays therefore will not be a waste.
A range of modern choices from creative arts to health care and hospitality are made available to students at a reduced course fee to encourage students to take up these modern paths.
CIIHE assures an excellent panel of locally and internationally qualified faculty members to guide these students. Sessions are arranged to not only provide theoretical knowledge but also with essential skills while inspiring the students to achieve their best.
CIIHE always believes in students taking informed decisions about their higher studies. Therefore, we invite students and parents to visit CIIHE campus along with their parents and meet the lecturers, student advisors and current students to help you make the best decision for your future.
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