Feature

Conversation
with a teacher

Shahnoor Wahid

RECENTLY I went to congratulate Father Timm on his receiving a Vatican recognition award for his contributions in the fields of education, research and social service. He has taught biology at Notre Dame College, Dhaka for many years and has been living in Bangladesh for over forty years now where he has a large number of admirers and well-wishers.

To immortalise his fond memories of Bangladesh and his personal life since childhood, he has chronicled them in the book, "Forty Years in Bangladesh: Memories of Father Timm." Father Timm has contributed immensely to the War of Liberation of Bangladesh.

As a former student of Notre Dame College I felt the strong urge to meet this wonderful person and spend some time with him talking about various issues. So, on a Saturday morning, a morning filled with golden rays of the sun, chirping of little birds and fragrance of blooming flowers in the garden of CARITAS, we talked about education, research and social work. Before going inside, Father Timm drew my attention to the beautiful orchids bloomed in full extravagance in the shade. The excerpts of the pleasantries are given below.

I began by asking him about the quality of primary education in Bangladesh at the moment and unless quality was improved drastically how it would impact quality of education at the higher levels. In reply Father Timm said, “Certainly education quality at the higher level would be much better if quality of primary education is improved. More importantly it has to be universal primary education, which is guaranteed by the constitution of Bangladesh and guaranteed free too. Professor Amartya Sen when he spoke on education and freedom had said that primary universal education was the first requirement for India and Bangladesh. Because without that you do not have any choice in development. But primary education as given at present times does not guarantee permanent literacy, much less a well-rounded education after five years. The standards need to be upgraded.” What about the new education policy that is coming up and the concept of extending primary education up to class eight? “Primary education up to class eight is what we have in the united states. I presume they are looking at that model. It is a good idea and I believe with improved education quality it would guarantee permanent literacy.”

What are your views on the present tendency of going for job-driven and technical education? “I think there is much room for extension of technical schools or trade schools here for those who cannot go to the higher levels of education, especially with the availability of ICT facilities students can become skilled in some technical trades and find employment.”

At higher levels, particularly in science education, we find a genuine lack of good laboratories and research undertakings.

Do you think research is a very important component in university education? “Certainly at the masters level. Those who would opt for teaching in schools or colleges may not have to go for doing research. But those who would like to become a university professor or a scientist would require to take a thesis and need to do research. Research findings contribute to the advancement of science and knowledge. It is a very important component of higher studies."

Having said that he discussed in length why it is important for universities to provide opportunities to students for doing research on various subjects. Our discussion then drifted to the social work and human rights issues, some of which need to be looked into with greater care and sincerity by the people of the country. His concerns were for the people of this country for whom he has dedicated his work and life. Nothing but peace, harmony and justice in society would make him happier.

It was time to say good-bye. I looked into Father Timm's caring eyes, wished him good health and shook his hand.