-meets with PTA of North Ruimveldt Secondary
OVER the years, the Education Ministry has noted that the number of students sitting the CSEC examinations has been increasing consistently, an indication that more students are completing the secondary cycle while previously there was a challenge when students drop out of the school system at Grade Nine. This observation was made by Education Minister Shaik Baksh, Monday, during a Parent Teachers’ Association (PTA) meeting at the North Ruimveldt Secondary School. He was joined by Minister within the Ministry of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, and other managers of the Education Ministry.

Together, the two ministers presented a number of books and five laptops to the institution, fulfiling a commitment made about two months ago by Dr. Ramsaran, when he visited the school. Five additional desk top computers will be provided by the ministry by the start of the new school year, allowing all the students to sit Information Technology at CSEC.
In his address to the gathering, Minister Baksh noted that in 2010, the largest number of students sat the CSEC examinations. However, that number has been superseded by that of 2011. In spite of this, the levels of performance need to be improved, particularly in Mathematics.
He noted that while the school now has a large number of trained and graduate teachers, it is expected that students’ results will surpass those of last year.
Minister Baksh stressed that the modernisation of the education system depends on the existence of quality teachers. Two hundred teachers are currently in training at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE). The Ministry’s aim is to have 70 percent of teachers trained, while 50 percent must represent graduate teachers.
Minister Baksh emphasised that the combination of qualified teachers, good school management and a vibrant PTA working together, with the interest of the school in mind, will reap successes, including the institution becoming an A-Grade school.

The PTA was recognised for its efforts, particularly the provision of additional security, outside of that provided by the Ministry, for the IT lab and the Home Economics Department by MMC. To further provide security for the institution, Minister Baksh committed to rehabilitating the school’s fence.
Minister Baksh disclosed that a policy document, titled ‘Protocol for Safe and Secure Schools’, will be launched soon, with guidelines that address cases of unacceptable behaviour, including the existence of gangs. He noted that the issuing of passes to students will also be included in the document. This is being done at North Ruimveldt Secondary and restricts the movements of students in and out of the compound and classroom.
He also encouraged the implementation of a mentoring programme and student council.
Dr. Ramsaran highlighted that existence of a dental unit within the school not only provides care to the students and teachers, but also includes persons from the community. He added that the connection between the school and community is critical to the provision of health care.
The unit is being upgraded, with the assistance of the Education Ministry. The ministry provided wall fans and an air conditioning unit; and the dental unit will house a waiting area and infirmary, apart from the dental area.
Dr. Ramsaran told parents of the various training programmes provided by the Health Ministry which can serve as career paths for their children. In this regard, he called for the promotion of career guidance for students.
He urged the PTA to utilise the available space at the East La Penitence health centre which can be used for community development programmes. In addition, a centre made available within the community by the Board of Industrial Training can be used to provide skills training.  
The parents were given the opportunity to share their concerns with both ministers, and they spoke of the need for proper sport facilities, including a playing field, scholarships and drainage.

As for scholarships for tertiary education, Minister Baksh explained that there are numerous requests for such; however, the ministry is offering scholarships for the sciences and mathematics. He urged students desirous of attending the university to utilise the availability of student loans.
He noted that with respect to the development of the school’s playing field, he has received proposals from several business entities, but these were not followed up since the conditions entailed restricted use of the field by the school. He added that once the field is developed, the school should be in total control of its use.
The Education Ministry has been facilitating parent meetings, highlighting policies and programmes aimed at improving the education system and hearing concerns of parents.
Such meetings were held at the Philadelphia Primary and Leonora Secondary in Region Three, and Tutorial High in Region Four. (GINA)