Latest update March 29th, 2024 12:59 AM
Sep 03, 2011 Letters
Dear Editor,
The world’s greatest manual, the Holy Bible unequivocally states that we are to study to show ourselves approved. The Almighty God does not in any way imply that humans are to sit back and have things given to them on a platter; for “in the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread” (Genesis 3:19).
Why then are contrary practices to the above being allowed in the Guyana education system. Why are pupils who have not obtained the requisite marks or percentages in academic subjects being promoted to the higher levels; in particular at the Primary level which provides basic education?
If the proper foundation is not laid the pupils will sooner or later come ‘crashing down’. Let’s parallel what is happening in the education system to that of erecting a building on a sub-standard foundation. What happens next? You have guessed correctly. There is going to be a calamity. Yes, chaos in the society.
What happens when the wider society is infiltrated with illiterate persons? It is so difficult to reason with such persons. They often seem to lack patience or understanding. They lash out at you for no reason. They think with their fists or their mouth rather than their brain, hence, there is increased quarreling, fighting and yes, bloodshed.
The situation is further compounded when they have to do a job. They know not how to read, be it a book or the newspaper, sign their name or even read the cheque they worked for. Can they positively impact on the next generation? I do not think so. The persons in question may be able to cope with the manual tasks: but what happens when reading or comprehension are involved?
I therefore urge those in the decision making forums of the Guyana education system, to consider the decision to have ‘No Child left Behind’ at the Basic or Primary level repealed.
At least allow those pupils of Grade One who have not performed adequately in Literacy and Numeracy to repeat the programme.
Most often, pupils who repeat here never have a reason to repeat again. I am living proof of that fact and after being in the education system for thirty-four odd years I write from the vantage point of experience.
In so doing, Guyana is ensured of producing pupils who do not have to join the alarming statistics of those who eventually “drop out of school” because they were unable to cope in the school system. Please seriously consider the views expressed above before it is too late.
Geneva A. Thomas
Retired HM
THIS IDIOT TELLING GUYANA WE HAVE NO SAY IN THE 50% PROFIT SHARING AGREEMENT WE HAVE WITH EXXON.
Mar 29, 2024
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