Dear Editor,

I always look forward to the views expressed by Dr Jason McKay in the Jamaica Observer. He shoots straight and doesn’t mince words in terms of societal ills vis-a-vis criminality in our nation.

His article in the Sunday Observer of February 9 entitled ‘Illiteracy, scamming and the traditional high school dichotomy’ should be compulsory reading for all educators, especially those in the Ministry of Education responsible for placement of primary school leavers who “can’t spell apple” as Dr McKay rightly pointed out.

Dr McKay, a criminologist, connects the dots that can lead from illiteracy to criminal behaviour. It is pellucidly clear that the present educational system, inadvertently abetted by “don’t-care” parents, has failed such students who, barely functioning at the primary level, are placed in a high school. It’s unjust, ludicrous, and tantamount to criminality that perpetuates antisocial behaviour and crimes.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom, for the writer himself is “currently involved in a programme, for several years, in at least one non-traditional high school”. Would that others so gifted and inclined could also get involved to help solve this problem of promotion without capability to cope. Another such example of tackling the problem of illiteracy in our non-traditional high schools is the recently established Seventh Grade Academy at Holy Trinity High School and another high school in rural Jamaica. Special attention is given to those lacking the capacity to cope at seventh grade.

Dr McKay is spot on! If we are to reverse the present trend to criminality, we must tackle the illiteracy problem, beginning from the early childhood level, as recommended in The Reform of Education in Jamaica, 2021 Report.

As a people of faith, known for our resilience, we must not give up hope but begin from bottom to give the tools (of literacy and numeracy with values) to our children. Not to do so is to be complicit in making attractive the criminal way of life that beckons to those not adequately equipped to cope effectively with life’s challenges.

Donald J Reece

Chairman, Ecumenical Education Committee

don.j.reece@gmail.com