Tuition Fees; on the recent demonstrations

I find I must touch again on a topic so vital to us all... education! I do not condone violence but in this particular situation I cannot disagree with it.  We cannot mindlessly criticise these acts of violence, indeed that is the main way in which wars and revolutions have been won, how countries have evolved, how democracy is gained. If the students are hungry enough for it then they must fight! We must encourage our fellow students to protest and even boycott such preposterous fees! It is despicable that in a free and democratic society our government believes it can charge such a laughable amount of money. These kids are not made of money and neither are their families. Yet again this government show their true colours, ensuring that only the rich, upper class can get into higher education and the damned Nick Clegg who vowed not to raise fees has sold his promise for the price of money and power “Little Puppet, dancing to the tunes of his Master”.  Of course we must allow some means of money for salaries and such other nonsense. However, prior 2005/6 we managed perfectly well without fees now the minimum of £3,290 is still barely manageable. Yes, indeed there are grants, bursaries loans etc all of which have some longed out process to apply for and even with the help provided there are vast numbers of students who remain clueless of who to turn to for help and remain in the dark, vast numbers of students who remain terrified of getting into debt, how will future generations cope with this ever impending financial doom looming over their heads???

To assist my fellow students in their fight for fair tuition fees here are a few ideas I have used: petitions, flyers, demo’s etc. Make it big and loud but remember screaming and shouting can only do so much, dear students we must hit these institutions where their hearts lie. We must have support of all teachers, lecturers, universities and all students. Only when the people come together as one entity can it succeed. Ensure that the roots are strong, the foundations must not break for if they do then inevitably the whole body shall fall. Media! The media is a powerful tool- so use it well, create sympathy and slowly but surely things will fall into place. Utilise all sources of media that you can remember the works of our Gandhi and King. Listen to their words carefully.

The students must rise up, they must not falter in their aim... they must continue and persist till they succeed in their endeavour. If the people are hungry enough for it then they will win.

“I will persist until I succeed. Always will I take another step if that is of no avail I will take another and yet another. In truth one step at a time is not too difficult. I know that small attempts repeated will complete any undertaking.”

~ Og Mandino~

"Only after the last tree has been cut down, Only after the last river has been poisoned, Only after the last fish has been caught, Only then will you find that money cannot be eaten."

~Cree Indian Prophecy~

(The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the University of Greenwich - Ed.)