The Editor, Sir:

Congratulations to Mr. Andrew Holness on his appointment as Minister of Education. One hopes that his youthfulness will bring energy and passion to this crucial area of national life.

I was, however, very disturbed when I heard himin a TVJ clip last night - Thursday 13 - enunciating his vision for education. What was reported gave the impression that the focus of his vision was access to computers for every child.

I was recently shown a project on water done by a 10-year-old. The information was taken from the Internet. The poor child, having faithfully copied information, could hardly read what she had written and certainly did not understand very much of the content of her own work.

It was a reminder that in order for access to the computer to be meaningful, the child needs to be able to read and understand.

higher grade

I also was recently informed of a child being moved to a higher grade, even though he had not yet mastered the reading book for his previous grade. He was of age, I was told; he had to move up. If this child continues on this path, he will graduate from high school with less-than-satisfactory reading skills.

I, therefore, prefer the vision which I heard a close family member of mine enunciate, that at the end of primary school, every child should be able to take up a newspaper and read with understanding. Please, Mr. Minister - yes, make computers available, but please give priority to ensuring that our children have a good, sound foundation. Once that is in place, they will be able to master any and all skills anywhere in the world.

I am, etc.,

S. RICHARDS

2 3/4 Ruthven Road

Kingston