Dear Editor,

After the 2007 elections, the Government announced free tuition up to secondary level. I am of the opinion that many parents and guardians are able to finance their children’s education and that the Government should only assist those who are unable to. On the other hand, the Ministry of Education needs to take a serious look at our education system in order to produce skilled and knowledgeable people for the 21st century and beyond.

The following I believe are shortcomings in our education system: There are a significant number of high school graduates leaving school illiterate, while some have not acquired any passes at the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) level in order to be trainable. In addition, it has been established that there is an inadequate number of institutions to satisfy the number of spaces needed at the high school, primary, and tertiary levels.

Based on the Reform of Secondary Education (ROSE), which saw secondary schools being upgraded to high schools, there is an uneven delivery of education. However, it has been proven that some students who attend these upgraded high schools perform very well in comparison to some students who attend traditional high schools. Therefore, it is the discipline and attitude of students that will enable them to excel in their academic studies. An increase in violence in some schools is a matter of great concern as it is a deterrent to learning.

The Ministry of Education is showing some signs of improvement in regard to the social reconstruction of our schools and the education sector. However, I strongly believe that Jamaica should introduce compulsory education in an effort to reduce illiteracy and poverty.

Although Jamaica does not have the adequate resources, Caricom member-states Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados offer free education up to the tertiary level. It is compulsory in those countries. Our policymakers should therefore look beyond the horizon and be mindful that Jamaica will not be able to compete with its counterparts in regard to supplying the job market with quality, skilled and knowledgeable graduates if our education system is not up to par.

“Knowledge is power. The value of knowledge is to use it.” These are quotes from our national hero the Hon Marcus Garvey. Nonetheless, we cannot make use of knowledge unless we first acquire it through education and awareness.

Charles Brown

charliebrown1004@hotmail.com