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DISCRIMINATORY SCHOOL SYSTEM
Education is a human rights issue. Every child irrespective of race, colour, creed or status is entitled to an education as mandated by the United Nations Covenant on the Rights of the Child. However, there is a dangerous, yet largely ignored trend taking place every year in the primary schools in Guyana—the discriminatory practice of selecting and placing children as young as five years old and whose parents are wealthy in the high performance schools and the poor ones in the underperforming schools.
Admittedly, this is not new. It could be the reason for the failure and drop-out rates in the country.
We have two education systems, one for the rich and the other for the poor. While some have argued that the private schools have the right to select students, it is discriminatory. Many are opposed to such practice in the public schools, which are funded by taxpayers.
Public schools should not discriminate against children based on status. It is a blatant violation of the Education Act, which states that children who are five years old should be eligible for admission to school and should not refuse admission unless there is no space available at the institution, or unless approved by the Minister of Education.
Although the Education Act has made it clear that it is wrong for children to be denied a place in school based on status. It is also wrong for schools to seek to build and maintain their image and standings by discriminating against children based on their parents’ status in society.
In order for students to excel, society must find ways to rid the education system of discriminatory practices. It is time for parents, educators and all stakeholders to end such practices in public schools by redoubling their efforts and work assiduously to improve the underperforming schools.
Learning is a developmental process and all children, rich and poor alike should be given the opportunity to learn. The Guyana Early Childhood Curriculum requires all children, regardless of their status, to have access to education at an early age. There are dire consequences for children who are not given the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills, social skills, and self-regulatory skills, which are essential for them to become productive citizens and be successful.
It is true that not all schools are of the same caliber, not all teachers have similar strengths and teaching skills, not all children have the same backgrounds and not all schools have access to the same resources. But the sad reality is most of the poor children are forced to attend the under-performing schools, many of which do not have the resources and qualified teachers to adequately meet their needs, especially those with learning disabilities.
Many believe that schools should not discriminate against children who are too small and innocent to bear the burden of school and societal expectations. Accountability, equity and open access to schools to all children should be the norm. All children, poor and rich alike, are entitled to a good education.
It is a fact that some schools would have in excess of 500 children vying for the 200 spaces available. Rather than employ questionable exclusionary and unfair practices to determine who is accepted and who is not, all schools should accept children on a first come, first served basis.
This would require more than just thought, it demands action for the sake of the children.
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