Graduation ‘apartheid’ raises questions
Dear Editor,
I believe that what occurred at the Ascot Primary School is something that needs to be addressed by the Ministry of Education right across all public schools.
I remember when my son graduated from one of the most prestigious and highly respected all boys’ school in Kingston in 2023 he almost did not graduate because he did not have the required amount of subjects, but that is another story.
Of the over 100 students who graduated the Saturday, approximately 20 of them, him included, were segregated on the platform. These approximately 20 students apparently did not reach the requirements of the school, “make the cut”, to be seated with the other young men that did. So they were called out separately and were listed separately in the graduation booklet.
It bothered me then, but I put it aside as I knew he had dedicated parents and strong family support, and where he was then is not where he would end up in the future.
The episode over the weekend has, however, reignited the hurt of what took place at that time, and I ask the following questions:
• What determines the standards for graduation?
• Is it performance or the fact that you have completed a level?
• Why is there a need for separation/segregation?
• What of the children that are separated/segregated that do not have a strong support?
• What is the expected end result of this punishment?
• Who assesses to see the effects of this punishment?
The saying is, “It is not how you start but how you end” (The Zig Ziglar Philosophy). The Bible also says, “The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong,” (Ecclesiastes 9:11). As adults, we need to be the ones to nurture and guide tomorrow’s future, not kill the spark. This responsibility is for everyone, parents, teachers, family, friends, communities, etc.
As a note, my son is currently at Caribbean School of Architecture at the University of Technology, Jamaica. He still needs help, he still needs guidance, he still needs his community. Let’s all be a part of that community for our children.
EC
St Andrew
