Provide safe, reliable transport for rural students
THE EDITOR, Madam:
“EVERY CHILD can learn, every child must learn.” This is the mantra of the Ministry of Education. By extension, UNICEF and other organisations continuously highlight the popular phrase “Equality of educational opportunity for all children …”. But what measures are adequately and effectively set in place to achieve these mandates?
Commendation must be given to the Government in efforts made in the lowering of bus fares, specifically for students, as this should aid efforts in students accessing their education.
However, it is noteworthy that the lowering of fares is unilaterally and specifically geared to JUTC transportation. As such, it is questionable. What transportation measures are in place specifically for students in deep rural areas? While some students are enjoying the lowering of bus fares, there are others who lack access to reliable mode of transportation in order to go to school and get home.
It is just to substantively conclude that this action (provision of transportation in urban areas, but not in the rural area) creates an uneven playing field in accessing education. Students in rural communities, such as those in South West (SW) St Ann, are hampered in accessing their education as a result of contributing factors such as lack or insufficient transportation, coupled with poor road conditions.
How can we say sing the mantras “Every child can learn, every child must learn” and “Equality of educational opportunity for all…” when transportation champions a major barrier for our children to access their education?
‘Equal opportunity to education’ must be extended to all Jamaican children, whether they are living in towns or in deep rural areas.
I beseech Daryl Vaz, minister of transport, on behalf of students in rural areas, specifically SW St Ann, for the provision of efficient adequate means of transportation for the students. After all, they are the future of a brighter Jamaica – we need to cater for them.
NORDIA THOMPSON nordia.thompson@hotmail.com