Vision comes from the mind

The good news about hiring more teachers has made quite plain the extent of the vision of the present P.E.I. government. The takeaway from the announcement was just two numbers, 27 and $1.75 million. Details were few, likewise questions. Were certified, experienced teachers to be hired or was it to be support staff and unspecified resources? How did money unavailable in the budget one month ago suddenly appear? No long-term plan was presented, just enough patching to get through another year.

Surely officials realize that ‘school’ has changed since they were students. Today classrooms are complicated by social issues only alluded to as ‘class composition’ and are not being dealt with in any comprehensive, far-sighted approach. Awarding $1.75 million to education will help but it is not vision. Neither is the insultingly measly $50,000 given to mental health. There is a connection between education, the classroom, mental health, and poverty that requires the diligent attention of government.

Yes, the overall well being of P.E.I. is based on a good economy, but in large part it is dependent on weather, catches, markets and the Canadian dollar and is outside any influence government might think it has. Vision must go beyond the economy, next poll, budget or election. It does not include grabbing onto unnecessary projects initiated in response to limited time offers.

There is the power, money can be found; vision comes from the mind. Small is beautiful and given the will, P.E.I. is the place to make vision work.

Don Humphrey,

Souris