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Please revamp and modernize our education system, Dr. Roopnaraine
DEAR EDITOR,
I know that Dr. Roopnaraine, a veteran educationist, is the perfect pick for Minister of Education in this new government. Guyana will make quantum leaps into the twenty-first century under his watch. To this end I herewith ask him to heed the following suggestions:
1. Please activate a School Inspectorate for each region. The inspectors will visit all schools periodically and monitor school rules, security, infrastructure, resources, curriculum, and procedures and practices. They will hold meetings with stakeholders and make recommendations.
2. Increase the salary of teachers and add fringe benefits for travelling, housing (in remote areas), health coverage (inclusive of dental and vision).
3. Promote teachers on merit not favouritism.
4. Equip schools and community libraries with computers (hooked up to the internet), printers and copiers. A nominal fee can be charged for printing and copying.
5. Make it mandatory that teachers do not give extra lessons for fees to the same students they teach during normal class hours. This can be a conflict of interest when students are short-changed in day classes. Also, this can place a financial burden on poor parents.
6. Activate Boards of Management in all schools empowered to make recommendations to hire (members should be involved in interviewing applicants), disciplining and firing staff. Board members should be elected by the PTA and should include a staff representative and the head teacher and deputy (as ex-officio members).
7. Appoint trained counselors in all school for behavioural and vocational guidance. Staff should also get counseling when necessary.
8. Appoint Truant Officers to monitor absenteeism, child labour and shirking. They should visit homes and liaise with the education officials and school continually.
9. Set up adult literacy classes in core subjects and computer studies for those who are not in high school and need upgrading for various reasons.
It was refreshing to hear that the Minister is setting up a countrywide commission of inquiry to improve the delivery of education. Way to go, Minister.
Karan Chand,
Educationist, Region Two
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