THE Education Sector’s announcement of one month literacy and numeracy programmes for a selected 13,500 pupils, in addition to remedial classes for those who recently wrote the National Grade Six Exams is definite evidence of a sector that is functioning in a very analytical manner. For it is no secret that for many of our primary aged students, literacy, especially, is an identified problem that forms an early barrier to proper assimilation and understanding of education data. This becomes a handicap for the affected pupil, who finds learning a burden and a nightmare, especially when there is no remedial assistance. I have always held the view that, for instance in numeracy, many students may be able to cope with the particular question, but because of the literacy hindrance, cannot follow the particular instructions.
There is a peculiarity about this programme and that is its manner of execution along the drama, music, and art lines. These are quite innovative ways of educational learning, designed to make assimilation easier for students. Arising from this methodology, students are also going to discover talents that they have.
This type of exercise will, if carried out annually, begin to correct a growing functional problem that extends even into adulthood. But there ought to be a parallel vocation in some form for many of those parents/guardians who many times cannot give guidance to their child/children/charge(s) because of literacy constraints. It must be emphasised that parent/guardian assistance to their charge(s) educational development is a very crucial aspect of their scholastic development.
Then there is the preparation for the Secondary School phase. Even at this advanced juncture there are mostly literacy problems, thus this and the prior mentioned intervention will impact positively on many of the students.
I would hope that parents/guardians ensure that their children/ charges, respectively, attend ALL SESSIONS of this wonderful vocation.