Autopsie : Lettre aux *2 étoiles du Sénégal * (D.r Yacine Dieng)
Albert Einstein's thought, stating that "We cannot solve a problem with the same thinking we used when we created it," resonates with particular force in the face of the persistent challenges of our time. This fundamental principle invites us to question and innovate, emphasizing that breaking cycles of failure requires a transformation of perspectives and strategies. As Tony Robbins so aptly put it, "If nothing changes, nothing changes," highlighting the inevitable consequences of inaction.
As Dr. Yacine Dieng, holding a bachelor's degree in France and a master's and doctorate from the USA, I have had the opportunity to closely observe various educational system architectures. My personal journey, undertaken without state scholarships within the American system, has provided me with a unique perspective on the models that successfully support the sustainable development of their students.
It is undeniable that the educational model we have inherited, often modeled on a socialist system, particularly one inspired by France, is now facing profound structural limitations. This model, which has consistently demonstrated its weaknesses in the past, present, and likely future, is characterized by an excessive dependence on state subsidies, a source of recurring crises. How many students have perished, how many academic paths have been shattered since independence, due to demonstrations and strikes triggered by chronic problems with scholarships and funding? This is a recurring tragedy that challenges our collective conscience.
During my fifteen years of study in the United States, I never witnessed a single controversy or social movement related to scholarship issues. This is due to a fundamentally different system, designed to be both fair and autonomous, and above all, directly linked to student success and employability.
Here is a more detailed description of this pragmatic approach:
1. Initial Assessment of Family Resources: Upon post-baccalaureate registration, the university conducts a thorough assessment of the student's parents' financial situation. If the income is deemed sufficient to cover tuition fees – as education, although of high quality, is not free – the application for a state loan may be rejected.
2. Granting of Conditional Student Loans: However, if the assessment reveals a financial need, the government grants an annual student loan. This loan is designed to cover all essential expenses: tuition fees, spending money, accommodation, and learning materials (books).
3. Performance-Based Renewal: This funding is renewable annually or semester-by-semester, provided the student maintains academic progress. Repeating a year interrupts this renewal, encouraging rigor and perseverance.
4. Post-Graduation and Post-Employment Repayment: Loan repayment begins only after graduation with a bachelor's degree and entry into the workforce. It is even common for the company hiring the former student to offer assistance with repayment or to directly finance a master's program if the employee wishes to pursue further studies.
5. Active Support for Career Placement: Universities do more than just teach; they play a proactive and essential role in their students' career placement. They offer career guidance, facilitate internship searches, assist with CV writing, and often help students find their first job. This involvement is crucial because the success of loan repayment is directly linked to the student's ability to find gainful employment.
6. Effective Collection Mechanism: Thanks to the social security number, the government is notified as soon as a former student begins working. An automatic deduction is then set up, adjusted to the individual's income, thus ensuring the recovery of funds. Payment is made voluntarily or by force, guaranteeing the system's viability.
7. Continuity for Higher Education: If a student chooses to proceed directly to a Master's or Doctorate without prior employment, the loan can be renewed, allowing for smooth academic progression to the highest levels.
Isn't it high time we considered other paths, adopted models that have proven their effectiveness and sustainability? As a more radical approach suggests: "When you can't solve a problem, you have to change the problem." This implies reassessing not only our methods, but perhaps the very nature of our approach to education and its funding.
It is imperative to open the debate on these alternatives, to learn from systems that work, and to stop repeating costly mistakes. The future of our youth depends on it.
The time has come for a clear and necessary break with established paradigms. However, this fundamental transition cannot be an end in itself. On the contrary, it must be consolidated and transformed into an opportunity for sustainable progress through the implementation of truly bold and profoundly innovative reforms. These initiatives must not only challenge conventions but also redefine our approaches, paving the way for unprecedented solutions and anticipating tomorrow's challenges, in order to build a more resilient and prosperous future.
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