Dear Editor,
I would be grateful if the relevant authorities can intervene to save the education system in Region 10. I was appalled to learn last week that the top performer for CSEC is a student of Christianburg Wismar Secondary School and not the Sixth Form school.
Head teachers have complained that there is hardly any forum where they meet as body to discuss issues affecting them. They claim to have had one meeting per year (Professional Development) over the last three years under the present Regional Education Officer’s stewardship.
There are some nursery schools where children are disciplined with rulers or even have their ears pinched, and parents are afraid to complain in person in case they are victimized. Schools are seldom graced by the presence of officers for the purpose of supervision.
Many school-age children are at home unattended, particularly those on the Wismar shore since they are often denied placement at schools close to their parents’ workplace or schools which their other siblings attend.
Some head teachers bemoan the fact that their schools are often in dire need of supplies, and it is always an embarrassing situation when requisitions are made and the signing authority at the Department of Education refuses to sign their ISR books and they are sent back to their school empty handed. Head teachers related that there is never any money available for the purchase of supplies and to conduct other educational sessions.
Since the removal of an appointed officer last year, the schools in Sub-District No 2 are supervised by a retired teacher. During the latter part of 2015, most events were graced by lengthy speeches from persons seconded to the department while appointed officers languished in their offices.
Little or no training for teachers (workshops, seminars) is being conducted. None funded by CPCE were done in the Berbice River during the latter part of 2015. If you visit the Department on any given Friday, you will be greeted by persons attired in clothing that is suited for the dancehall, yet you are denied entry if you are deemed to be improperly attired.
All these complaints are well known by the two key officers at the central ministry, who continue to praise and reward their cohorts in Region10. In some cases we are told to return to Region 10 with our complaints. This cannot help.
Yours faithfully,
(Name and address provided)
