Quality, not quantity

THE EDITOR, Madam:

THE GOVERNMENT of Jamaica is moving secondary education from a mandatory five years to seven years.

If your children are attending one of the elite or well-funded schools, then there might be some merit in this; however, if you attend one of the downtrodden broken schools, one year is like a life sentence.

Fayval Williams has not thought this through properly. This is putting a sticky plaster over a gunshot wound.

It was recently reported in the news that the Government had failed to pay some teachers since September. Paying teachers is like paying your mortgage, it’s the first payment you make.

As a society, we treat our educators very poorly and, sadly, it’s reflected in the quality of persons being attracted to the profession. I remember growing up, teachers were highly revered.

The pandemic has impacted many students, there is a significant number whom have not had any or a proper education during the last two years. I would suggest supplementary classes for those who have fallen behind, asking those who have plans for further education to remain in school for two more years is stunting progress.

I never went to sixth form; I did five years in high school and that was enough for me. My tenure in the HEART programme was the best thing that ever happened to me. I learnt a profession on the job and many other social skills.

The cult leader Kevin Smith and others happen because of illiteracy. A strong case for why we need quality education and not quantity.

EROLL WALTERS

eroll.walters@gmail.com