Literacy For All: One of the Means to Achieve Gross National Happiness

In: Gross National Happiness and Development - Proceedings of the First International Conference on Operationalization of Gross National Happiness. Thimphu, Centre for Bhutan Studies 2004, pp. 629-636 . ISBN 9936-14-22-X

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Abstract

This paper focuses on how quality education plays a vital role in national development. It also argues that education can be dangerous if we are not careful about excluding pedagogy, enhancing curriculum and including vocational training and teaching other societal values. Incorporating cultural and moral values to help literate people become meaningful contributors to the nation is crucial for development. The paper suggests ways to bring together our older and younger generations to formulate ways to improve the nation. We must talk about the importance of cultural values and must bring a basic understanding of Gross National Happiness to the local people and to our younger generation. This paper describes the possibilities of GNH in terms of development, modernization, and education, including balanced cultural and spiritual values, and it concludes by proposing that we help our younger generation develop a deeper interest in culture and spirituality.