Private schools have strong foundations and relevance

THE EDITOR, Madam:

In recent times, the high levels of ignorance that are displayed by stakeholders like the private sector, members of the media, some government technocrats, and the wider general public, on the critical role which private education has been playing in national development, is a cause of concern.

Many are unaware that the education sector in Jamaica began with private education. Many of our great schools started in people’s homes, backyards, church halls, etc. We must not despise the sector which birthed education in Jamaica.

At least 30,000 students attend private schools at the prep school level, a few thousands more at early childhood institutions run by many churches and faith-based organisations, and many thousands more at post-secondary institutions.

Many people make the sacrifice to send their children to private schools, and not just the rich and wealthy. The needs of thousands of Jamaican children are not being met in the public-school settings, and will not be able to do so anytime soon. Hence the need for these students to attend private schools, instead of being left behind.

The government of Jamaica has established a memorandum of understanding with several private schools to facilitate children who cannot be placed in public schools. This partnership is now in dire need of enhancement.

Many private schools are associated with faith-based organisations, so there is a consistently strong focus on values-based education, character development and godly behaviour. Therefore, the weakening of this sector has very grave and serious social implications for our nation.

The standard of education in Jamaica suffers a drastic shortfall every time a private school has to close its doors, simply because many private schools offer a higher level of education than what is found at public schools and have been the standard-bearer.

The overwhelming majority of private schools are labours of love, because they have been operating at a loss for many years, do not charge the full fee, and have to raise funds to subsidise the fees.

Further, the government saves thousands of dollars for many years when one child attends a private school. It will be millions of dollars less for the government to support existing private schools than to build new public schools and to maintain them.

Jamaica is not Singapore or Sweden, and, for many obvious reasons, we will never be. Hence the need for a relevant education thrust which will meet our unique needs. Our situation requires both the private and public arms of education to coexist and they extend support for each arm.

I am hoping that the government and private sector of society will understand the value which private schools bring and will ramp up their support for them.

PASTOR WESLEY BOYNES

President

Jamaica Independent Schools Association