The textbook embarrassment raises some interesting questions

Mar 22, 2025 Letters

Dear Editor,

The embarrassing scenario outline in the textbook around the school-feeding programme raises some very interesting questions about the school-feeding programme as a whole. The scenario is indicative of a quality control and textbook review process that needs improvement, and the current problem encountered should result in all of the textbooks being reviewed by a panel of educators to ensure that there is no bias nor a hidden agenda present in the material provided to our schoolchildren. After all, their minds are still being molded and we must allow parents the opportunity to play a key role in the process. As for the school-feeding programme, the scenario indirectly leads to the asking of a very fundamental question, “Should the school-feeding programme be optional?”

Given that it is an added benefit for those attending school, the feeding programme must be designed with the health and the multicultural considerations of our diverse community. Specifically, halal options, vegetarian options, vegan options, Rastafarian options, ethnic options (Indian dishes, African dishes, Amerindian dishes, Portuguese dishes), etc. and overall calorie intake management are all factors that must be a part of the menu design.

The participation of the catering companies that have met strict health guidelines and that are certified and continually inspected are all aspects of creating a healthy school-feeding programme. If the poor review of textbooks is an example of the lack of quality control, then there are most likely improvement opportunities also in the school-feeding programme’s management and quality control system. Unfortunately, a similar slip up could have serious health consequences. Thus, making it necessary for the Ministry with oversight responsibility of food establishments to ensure the healthy preparation, delivery and storage of food for the school-feeding programme. The use of temperature-controlled delivery vehicles and temperature-controlled storage of food at the schools between serving times are also essential in preventing bacteria buildup and the occurrence of food-borne illnesses. These aspects of the programme may be missing at this time and do open up the government to additional scrutiny and liability if there was ever an unfortunate occurrence of an illness caused by the feeding programme.

As for the question as to whether the programme should be optional? It may be better for this to be allowed. Some parents would prefer to manage their child’s health themselves and provide them with loving reminders that their parents care for them and have prepared their school meals with love. On the other hand, other parents may need the time in their busy schedules and would welcome such an option due to convenience. A reminder to their children that they are working hard to take care of them. Those parents who cannot afford to provide meals would also welcome the benefit provided by the programme, which allows them to spend the saved funds on other needed items for their children. Another sign of a loving parent. Given the multiple ways in which parents express their love for their children and the unique relationship between a parent and their child, having the programme be optional and reflecting the diversity of our culture is probably a good idea. At no time should someone be deliberately or inadvertently scrutinized for their views as it relates to how they choose to take good care of their child.

It is good to see that the Ministry of Education was able to recognise their mistake and it is CRG’s hope that they will consider and act upon the recommendations provided.

Best regards,

Mr. Jamil Changlee

Chairman

The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana

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