Page 223 - Records of Bahrain (5) (ii)_Neat

The progress oj state education, 1939-1941 543

G5

XcnI, thcro are tho possibilities of Opon-Air Instruction.

A groat (leal could bo dono, especially in tho distant villages, by moans
of quiet, informal talks to tho local people, given by tho schoolmasters. It
is not a very satisfactory stato of alTairs whon tbo children arc educated
ami the parents completely ignorant, and nothing but good can result from
occasional semi-educational meetings between parents and schoolmasters.
Such talks should be held in publio places, at times when tho older peoplo
cun conveniently attond thorn. Tho subjects of discussion can rango over a
•very wide field, from puroly local matters, such ao hoalth, child wolfare,
hnnuful superstitions, bettor forms of agriculture, otc., to matters of widor
interest, such us world history and geography, famous pooplo, and foroign
news. No subject likely to raise tho gonoral lovol of knowledge amongst
the humbler pooplo of tho Island should bo disdained by tho speakers, who
should remciubor that many matters which may soora oommonplaco to
themselves will bo of absorbing interest to their I033 sophisticated hoarors.

J suggest to your Highness that tho Inspector should bo asked to boar
iu mind tbo possibilities of open-air instruction for adults, and to try to
urrnngo for occasional public talks by the schoolmasters, especially iu tho
distant villages.