Where’s the proof, Mr PM?

THE EDITOR; Madam:

Prime Minister Andrew Holness’ claim that principals are perpetuating generational poverty by denying students access to education must be supported by clear, concrete data.

Who exactly are these “bad actors” within the system, flouting government policy, and why has the government knowingly allowed them to persist? How many students have truly been deprived of an education, and what steps has the government taken to ensure that their education continues?

I am confident that a thorough investigation into this matter will reveal that, in reality, principals have overwhelmingly adhered to this government’s policy, even in the face of significant challenges.

The Education Transformation Report, produced by a commission co-chaired by the current Minister of Education, Dr Dana Morris-Dixon, is unequivocal: middle- and high-income households should be required to contribute to the financing of their children’s education, while low-income households that cannot afford such contributions should be exempt.

Furthermore, the report calls for a mechanism to allow for penalties for non-compliance. Is the government wilfully ignoring these recommendations for political gain or is it dismissing this critical report altogether?

The reality is that many school leaders have been forced to beg, scrimp and discontinue valuable programmes when their efforts to solicit funding have failed.

While principals are deeply grateful for the support the government provides, we cannot ignore the realities of our context: schooling is expensive and the system is grossly underfunded.

Rather than resorting to polarising rhetoric and sustained attacks on principals trying desperately to ensure quality education in trying times, we must unite to actively encourage parents to contribute to their children’s education.

Only through collective action can we achieve the national goal of ensuring every child reaches their full potential.

MARIA MUTIDJO

Principal