By Malia Anam
Have you heard that the KICD wants to make changes in schools? Not just any changes, but changes that involve removing set books in high schools. I don’t think this is a correct move because removing set books from the curriculum affects a lot of people, including students. Have you thought about students’ ability to analyze situations or even learn new vocabulary? Many set books also address critical issues in our country, like politics, FGM, and so many other topics.
Removing these books can limit students’ opportunities to develop critical thinking skills. Set books are essential for exposing students to complex themes, challenging narratives, and diverse perspectives. Eliminating them would reduce students’ exposure to cultural and historical contexts, leaving them less equipped to understand and relate to past events. It would also diminish their readiness for college and careers. Many colleges value a strong foundation in literature, and these books introduce students to various literary forms and writing styles.
Without set books, students will miss out on important discussions and opportunities to reflect on human nature and societal values. Studying set books helps students learn advanced language structures and literary devices, which may be less emphasized in alternative materials. Removing them could negatively impact students’ language development and their ability to express complex ideas.
The effects of removing set books go beyond just students. Have you thought about what will happen to literature teachers? Some may lose their jobs, especially if literature is their main subject. It would also increase teachers’ workload, as they would have to find new materials and develop new lesson plans, which could vary widely in quality.
There’s also the impact on the writers of these books. Removing set books from the educational list would reduce demand, affecting writers’ income. Writers’ contributions to literature and culture may fade, diminishing their legacy over time. There would be fewer opportunities for readers to study and discuss an author’s work deeply. By discouraging the study of these texts, we may also discourage writers from tackling important social issues.
Removing set books impacts not only writers’ financial stability but also their cultural significance and the role they play in shaping thought and literature. Removing them would strip students of valuable perspectives and diminish our literary heritage. For all these reasons, I strongly believe the KICD should preserve set books in our schools.