Education
“Education is the solution to many of the problems we now face as a Federation.”
It was Derek Bok, who said these words many years ago, - ‘if you think education is expensive try ignorance.’ These words are so true today. Take a look around and pick any issue or challenge that now plagues of Nation and the root of that problem is grounded in the fact that too many of our people are ignoring the values of a proper and self sustainable education. However, to understand my conclusion you first must appreciate the experience that brought me to this point.
The Education system
Our education system made several achievements over the years. Schooling was accessible by all in the early 60s and 70s. No longer was education only available to those who could afford. In the 1980s to 1995 significantly more was done for education in the Nation. New schools were built. Computers were introduced into the schools for the first time ever. The Self-programme was introduced. Steel pan formed part of the curriculum. More teachers were trained. Teachers received an increased in their salaries and special salary categories were created for teacher who went onto further their education.
Pay scales for teacher included substitute teachers, trained teachers and graduate teachers. I’m sure you would not forgive if I had excluded from this list of few things I choose to highlight, the school’s meal feeding programme.
In those days it was truly a nutritious meal. Not the bread and cheese that is given to people children tow and three times a week. However, even that the children would not be getting shortly for the present government can no longer afford the school meals programme anymore. Heaven help us all.
All the initiatives mentioned above that were implemented by the PAM government at that time helped to build a strong and competitive education system. It must be mentioned that promotions were fair and in the interest of students, the education system and the future development of the Nation.
I am told that every school was well equipped with chalk, busters, chairs, toilet paper and the basics. This is something I find hard to believe for just recently when I was in school my parents had to give the school money so that the school could buy toilet paper and chalk just so the teachers can teach class. No wonder the children are staying home.
Presently, teachers are frustrated. They can get the increase in salaries that they have been promised for more than fifteen years now. This is despite that fact that every election years the Labour administration keeps telling them that ‘it’s teachers’ time now’.
There is too much politics in the education system and it is failing not only the students but our society as a hold. More and more students are falling through the cracks. There was a time when young people of school age and above relied on an education to get ahead. These days crime has become their way of making a living.
But we need to ask ourselves why? My answer is so simple but true. Children learn by emulating the adults. Children look up to those with influence and will do what they say even if it is wrong. How many of you remember this, “Parents don’t send your children to school…” and you know the rest. Well, think hard enough. It is the children of the 1993 era who are causing havoc in the place today. Many of them do not have a high school education and are wasting their lives away.
The future of Education
It is time to save the Nation’s youth. This can only be done with a government that has proven itself in the past and will do so when it is return to office. Outlined in our 2010 manifesto, a PAM government intends to:
• Improve on the SELF programme the this government wants to abolish
• Establish a teachers Service Commission
• Improve security at all schools
• Improve the quality of the Schools Meals Programme
• Employ Permanent Counselors in all schools in the effort to fight crime
• Promote both Visual and Performing Arts Education in schools
• Introduce a viable and productive re-training programme for school leavers
• Seriously review salaries and other conditions of employment for teachers
These are just a few things listed in the People’s Action Movement 2010 manifesto on page 13 and 14.
I would like to add to the list the following
• In an effort to recuperate funds for the ministry of education, I am of the opinion that with the hundreds of classrooms and many specialize shops and centres around the islands, the ministry of education can efficiently and systematically implement a classroom rental policy. This policy will help to educate students, school leavers or anyone wishing and willing to learn a skill. Some of the areas of great interest are, cooking, baking, cake decorating, welding, furniture making, auto repairs, computer repairs, programming, graphics design, public speaking, architectural drawing, proposal writing, and general classes in English, Mathematics, economics and so on. You get the picture.
• Another important area for me as a young adult is the much talked about civics classes I hear my parents and grandparents talk about. It is time to bring it back. These classes will go a long way in educating the populace. When we learn from an early age of the system of government, what government is suppose to do, learn of our rights and responsibilities and so on I am convinced that we will have a better and stronger Nation which will be reflected in lack of tolerance for any corrupt government and government ministers.
These are the issues that I believe, if seriously considered, can shape our society and communities for the better. However, the powers that be are not willing and certainly not capable of achieving these goals outlined. Instead they have politicized the education system and run the financial ship a ground. Now the Labour government is complaining about wastage in education. Maybe someone should point out to them Derek Bok’s statement about education and money.
Permit me to end with these words, “the ultimate goal of the educational system is to shift to the individual the burden of pursuing his education” John W. Gardner.
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