Dear Editor,

I MUST congratulate the person who was brave enough to open the public’s eyes to what’s happening with the education system in Region 10.On February 26, 2016, the Education Department of Region 10 held its Children’s Road Parade, which saw participation from nursery and primary schools within the region. However, once again, favouritism in how schools were rewarded for their performance was evident, which led to some head teacher, teachers and parents being upset.

Over the past five years, especially for the nursery schools, one school has been constantly favoured, Pine Street Nursery School, for every activity that required the participation of nursery schools. More than seven schools participated in the Costume and Dance, but only Pine Street Nursery School was awarded for its participation.

What has happened to the other schools that didn’t place in the 1st-to-3rd award positions? Then, at the Road Parade, this same school, whose costume and other accommodations weren’t as the schools given 2nd and 3rd positions, was once again given 1st place.

Pine Street Nursery School is so favoured that certain stocks are being awarded to this school. That school’s intake is done through a biased system, and the school is being hyped by the nursery section of the department. Almost all of the events or activities for nursery schools have someone from that school on the Planning and Execution Committee. Is that to say that teachers from the other schools are incompetent, or is it to only give one school all the praise?

As I left the Sports Club Ground, where the Road Parade ended, the remarks and comments from head teachers, teachers and parents were of disgust and frustration. Schools would prefer to receive letters for non-participation in future activities than to have their parents and children publicly put to shame and be humiliated because their participation is not valued. As a parent, I am worried that many children will be deprived of valuable experience, and that if this obvious favouritism continues, more segregation within the nursery schools within Region 10 will occur. So, my fellow parents and teachers, let us not keep it all inside, but let our voices be heard so change can come for our children’s sake.

KANDI JAMES
Concerned Parent