IT’S THAT TIME once again. This week children return to school for what we hope will be a relatively trouble-free start of the new academic year.
It means everyone should exercise caution as they adjust to increased traffic on our roads. For various reasons not all students seem able to fully utilise the free public transportation system, making it imperative that privately-owned public service vehicle operators also put safety as their top priority.
Most students will be delighted to be back in the classroom while some will regret the end of their holidays.
Unfortunately, for some wanting to return, there may be some unwanted hurdles to surmount. Given the demand for places at our sixth form schools, the Barbados Community College and the Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic, there may be a crunch for spaces.
While many students have continued to perform excellently in the various exams, too many others perform below satisfactory levels. There is an urgent need for us to do much better at all levels and in all subject areas if we are to stand out amongst the top tier of a very competitive world.
These are situations which the Ministry of Education must quickly address and also resolve. We cannot have our children frustrated and drifting along through no fault of theirs. The public eagerly awaits information on the solutions.
But it is not only about the students whom we wish well for this school year and indeed success over the coming months. The significant role teachers provide must be acknowledged as they prepare and guide their charges on an educational journey with its many life-changing steps.
The difference between a dedicated and committed teacher and one who only shows a face in the classroom can determine success or failure. And, all our students deserve the best tutors.
Parents must recognise the huge role they are required to undertake as their active participation can determine just how successfully students navigate the correct learning curve. Guardians must encourage their children to develop and sustain an enthusiasm to learn throughout the year, not only in the classroom, but particularly at home. It is not a duty to be left only to the teachers.
Our schools must be zones free of bullying, and places where there is respect for authority by both students and parents, while property must not be wantonly destroyed.
The education structure is one of the largest undertakings in this country and the school system impacts us in various ways as it touches most households. The scope of public education is not there by accident, as it was recognised decades ago that for this young nation to progress, it would require an educated and informed citizenry.
Ensuring that everyone is educated still remains the best way to advance the status of this country and its people.
