Children can overcome obstacles to education

THE EDITOR, Sir:

SCHOOL HAS just reopened and many students will be placed in non-traditional high schools which might not have been their choice, but they inevitably gained that position because of the grade average they attained in the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT).

Unfortunately, there is a stigma attached to these schools, which suggests they are for under-achievers, while the traditional schools are for elite students. It is this perception that has permeated our society and has affected the performance of our students. I seek to dispel this perception and, instead, educate parents that this should not and should never be the position held by them; it is dangerous and condescending. They should also be aware that their circumstances should not be a hindrance to their children's development. Their children can, within their capabilities and abilities, achieve what they desire.

Challenging

I can identify with the issues raised. I attended the Denham Town Secondary school in the '70s, as it was known then, it is now the Denham Town High school. There were challenges encountered by students at the time, which by comparison to present schools were monumental, some of which are now being experienced by the non-traditional high schools, but the teachers then, despite this, made the best of a system starved of many of the resources available to many of the traditional high schools of the day.

Staying focussed

Despite this, I was determined that would not be a restriction, nor have those circumstances dictated my future, so with the assistance of my parents and my persistence, I stayed focused. Today, because of that same fervent approach, I have acquired a law degree.

Parents should be aware that they are the main motivating factor in their children's lives. It is a non-issue to site lack of education on their part as reason for not assisting in their children's education; there are ways to overcome these obstacles. This, I would suggest, is achievable by utilising what little resources they have at their disposal and developing creative, pragmatic and workable solutions.

Neither, too, should the burden be left totally on teachers. It is impractical to leave all the workload and responsibility in their care, considering the present state of affairs in our schools. Therefore, it is incumbent on parents to do their part in ensuring that their children are achievers, and not be influenced by external perceptions .

If I have done it, anyone can.

I am, etc.

ERROL McLeish

ermarlii16@hotmail.com

Daytona, Greater Port more

St Catherine