Every crisis presents an opportunity for corrective measures, healing or remedy. As I listened to and read comments about the crisis in education, I conclude we do not need a dogmatic controversy over the 10,000 students sent to first form in high schools who are unable to read, or over those left behind. Rather, we need to articulate a remedy for both sets. They both have a problem we must address.

I start with an anecdote. I visited a school and saw four boys acting as though engaged in a fight. I called them to me and they claimed to have been playing. I said "That is rough play!" and as the conversation continued I asked their names. Three clearly stated theirs, but the fourth was unclear, so I asked him to spell it. He replied "I cannot". The others spelt it for me. I immediately presented him to the principal, who claimed that he had recently been transferred to the school. I asked him to work with his class teacher to assist the boy.

The education officer was contacted to explore the possibility of providing a teacher for remedial work among children in the school. She intervened promptly and a teacher was assigned to work with members of staff and with those students who had challenges. Sub-sequently, I learnt that there has been an improvement among the affected students.

The suggestion here is for those 10,000 now sent to first form and those left behind to have their need addressed by the provision of teachers skilled in dealing with the reading problem. Some retired teachers could volunteer, current staff could be redeployed, and weekend workshops all over the island could be arranged to fit teachers for the task. There should be insistence that tertiary institutions address similar issues with incentives. Hence no 'ghetto institution' will turn out unprepared persons to train or serve children and persons in this country.

Human development

The Ministry of Education, Jamaica Teachers' Association and all institutions of learning should address the crisis by positive, pro-active action without delay. The religious bodies at all levels should see this as part of their human development process, even as they seek to direct people heavenward. Let us all join hands and heart together to meet this urgent national issue. We all have a stake in this for the betterment of all.

I am, etc.,

R.A. YOUNG

grupyoung@cwjamaica.com