Upon Welcoming National Education Day, UPH Introduces Transformative and Holistic Education A Reflection on Education in COVID-19 Pandemic Periods By: Dr. (Hon) Jonathan L. Parapak, Rector of UPH.

These past months, we have been ordered to work, learn, and pray from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Every sector is affected, including education and suddenly, the system requires schools and universities to use technology for learning, forcing educators (teachers/lecturers) and learners to adapt. In this kind of situation, we may question: “How could a holistic and Christ-centered transformation happen effectively in the lives of students at this period? What about character, faith, social, and other essential aspects of education?”

Months of experiences have surely presented us with the great challenge of designing a learning plan for the future. I have become more certain that in the future, distance learning is going to be a common system used for education. However, the other aspects that I have questioned previously are the real challenge for us in many aspects, including the learning system, educators, lecturers, curriculum, and education infrastructure. I believe that direct interaction with teachers/lecturers and fellow students is still very essential and therefore, we need a hybrid pattern, technology, system, and direct involvement of educators.

We have to welcome this change as a blessing from God and thus, prepare ourselves to be used by God to manifest a transformative, holistic, and Christ-centered education. Do not fear and do not be discouraged! We have to believe that we will not be separated from God as written in Rome 8:38-39, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

The commemoration of National Education Day, which fell on May 2, 2020, was held in the spirit of change and renewal which comes in many forms, starting from the governmental policies with its “independent campus” policy and even ‘force’ through this COVID-19 pandemic. After COVID-19 there will be a new system, pattern, and environment for learning and education. This will also lead to a renewal of regulations, and policies, including a new accreditation system. As we welcome the new era of education, we should not forget the initial purpose of education itself that is to bear smart, faithful, noble, and competent individuals who are willing to give their hearts to work for and serve society and the country.

Let us, with God’s love and grace, undergo this change with hope and good spirit towards a better future with Christ. Let’s pray even more, and may with God’s grace, this pandemic may end soon and we can go back to our peaceful days. Happy National Education Day!