I am a young teacher from Laventille and while I resist the urge to burn tyres while holding up a placard with multifarious expletives directed at our beloved leaders, I choose instead to voice burning resentment and sad cries from the pit of my stomach on behalf of all that I see and perceive on a daily basis.What is this I hear about children finishing CXC by age 17, Cape by 20 and having a doctorate by 23?
Dearest Uncle Tim, surely you could not be referring to the thousands of children that are left behind to join the dregs of the population after not being able to find a place in an education system that survives in theory on the idea of quality education for all–but in reality, on all that is shameful and destructive to a society.
There is truth in the big picture you proclaim: an education that includes visual and performing arts, sports, et al. Let us not get lost in the false perception that we are somehow advanced as a result of our gracious education system or that we can dream of such a status by increasing the speed at which our youth gain our prestigious certificates.
The speed is already so fast that I think soon we will run out of paper on which to print certificates! However, we shall never run out of youngsters who crumble and fall in the midst of an education system that thrives on pressure and exploitation while favouring the wealthy and the well-connected.
We neglect the issues that are necessary to churning out well-rounded citizens from our schools, across the board, from Laventille to Westmoorings. What is there for the children with special needs? For children with no known parents, no role models, no clue of who they are, where they come from and where they are expected to go?
Is enough being done to prove to all young people that no matter what your background, economic or social status, disability or unfortunate reality, there is a place for you to do something bigger and better than get a CXC, Cape or university degree; that there is a place for you to make a valuable contribution to the society that you have been fortunate or unfortunate enough to be birthed into?
Be sure, Uncle Tim, that you represent all young people when you speak of improving our education system. Sometimes I feel that I have succeeded in spite of, and not because of, this education system. Only time will tell.
Teacher
via e-mail