THE EDITOR, Sir:HAVING JUST returned from yet another graduation I am filled with great admiration for our principals and faculty members, and deep love and hope for our children and parents. I hear the educators refer to students as children. "I have 23 children", one teacher smilingly acknowledged, two of my own, and 21 more here at school!
This family feeling is growing into the community as I see parents' faces glowing with pride as their children receive prizes, display wonderful talents of drama, music and public speaking with confidence and poise; little ones five years of age looking after each other and sitting so nicely, eight of them in six chairs! and very comfortable with it all.
Let us pay tribute to and honour our educators in Jamaica.
A large number of schools are working and doing all of this in borrowed buildings, with insufficient desks or space (one school has 60 students on one side of a portable divider and 60 students on the other side). Office space and auditorium space for group meetings is often lacking as well as sufficient desks.
Many schools are without proper communication equipment such as faxes and computers for e-mail. Some schools are without phone lines and use cell phones. (How do we teach computer skills in these schools?). The only way to communicate with some schools is by a personal visit, which, by the way, I highly recommend!
Educators, as you read this, heartily congratulate yourself and continue to enjoy the blessings received from teaching children. Parents, continue to support and visit your schools.
In loving tribute to our dedicated educators and with congratulations to all the graduates.
I am etc.,
SISTER CHIRYA,
Co-ordinator for Living Values
Educational Progamme
jamaica@bkwsu.com
16 Leaders Ave PO 280
Montego Bay
Via Go-Jamaica
