The quote suggests that organizations often accumulate a mix of historical practices and policies over time without necessarily reassessing their core functions or objectives regularly. It implies that when someone questions an institution, such as asking the Education Ministry about its primary purpose and who it serves, the inquiry might be met with confusion or amusement because these fundamental aspects are not always at the forefront of organizational thinking.
The deeper meaning delves into the idea that many organizations operate based on established routines and traditions rather than a clear understanding of their mission and target audience. This can lead to a disconnect between what an organization is intended to achieve and how it actually functions in practice. For instance, when the quote suggests that the client should be the Afghan child, highlighting that educational institutions should prioritize serving children’s needs, it challenges the status quo where ministries might view themselves as the central focus rather than tools designed to support and educate young people.
Ashraf Ghani, the author of this insightful statement, served as the President of Afghanistan from 2014 until his ousting in August 2021. He is known for his academic background and expertise in economics and governance, bringing a critical perspective on how institutions function and their impact on society, especially in contexts like post-conflict reconstruction and development.
