CLAREMONT, St. Ann:
JAMAICAN TEACHERS have come in for high praise from the Ministry of Education.
According to Mrs. Dorothea Walker, Director, Region III in the Ministry, "Others running after our teachers is not a bad thing. We have good teachers and they recognise that Jamaican teachers are exceptional."
Mrs. Walker was deputising as guest speaker for Minister of Education, Hon. Burchell Whiteman at a St. Ann Development Company (SADCo) student assistance function at the Almond Tree Restaurant on November 30.
She noted that local teachers were neither bad nor worthless, as "nobody runs after bad."
She added that the aim should be to have "enough teachers and running over to supply Third and First World countries."
The educator implored the awardees to recognise the value of education and not squander it.
Stressing the importance of spreading the news about good things being done, Mrs. Walker said, "Sometimes good things come for people but they don't go and spread the news. Tell them by word of mouth. Go out there and excel. You are among the privileged ones in this country. Important investment has been made in you. You and your relatives must appreciate it."
Mrs. Walker pointed out that education was expensive but warned, "try ignorance and you will see how expensive that is."
One hundred and forty-five students from 25 secondary and tertiary institutions were given grants totalling $582,000.
SADCo started the assistance programme for students in St. Ann and western St. Mary in 1993 and the grants cover the cost of tuition and in some cases books.
Only three of the 25 schools, namely Westwood High, Oracabessa High and Monea-gue Teachers College, were present with teachers and recipients to receive the grants which were presented by Custos of St. Ann, Radcliffe Walters.
