Editorial: In Search of Professional Role Models

Abstract

Fifty years ago when I was in primary school, I had no problem finding suitable professional role models. These included primary school teachers, medical assistants, pharmaceutical assistants, veterinary scouts and agricultural extension workers. They were well behaved, carried themselves with dignity, dressed smartly and lived in comparatively well built houses. They talked highly of their professions with no hint of dissatisfaction. If they had any misgivings about their meagre earnings or working conditions, they did not voice them publicly. These cadres lived harmoniously with their families and their children looked well fed. It would have been heretical to imply that anyone else, other than the incumbent primary school headmaster could manage the local school. He appeared to be the obvious choice.