Published On:Wednesday, September 01, 2010

THE United States is concerned that its standing in education is dropping in world rankings -- particularly in mathematics and science --and that its rate of school dropouts has now reached the point of being "economically unsustainable." Not only do these young people add to America's already high unemployment figures, but, because of their lack of education and job skills, they are unemployable.

It has been emphasised that citizens can only have a strong country if they have a strong education system.

This is the message that Education Minister Desmond Bannister has been trying to get across to Bahamian students as he encourages them to move up from their present grade D level. Many of them have already done so, but not nearly enough to give comfort to Bahamian employers who do not see a large enough skilled job market from which to draw to sustain the country's growth. If this continues, the number of foreigners required to fill the gaps will increase.

In his national Back-to-School address on Saturday, Mr Bannister said that in this school year his Ministry will "continue to promote the importance of mastering the fundamentals which play a critical role in educational success."

Emphasis will be placed on character education as a "key component in promoting good citizenship."

"We will, therefore," he said, "ask all of our partners in education, and in particular parents, to support our initiatives to improve reading, writing, arithmetic, across all grade levels while extolling the virtues of respect and responsibility."

He said that high levels of literacy, skilful writing and improved numeracy skills among students will "ensure that the next generation of Bahamians are equipped to move our beloved Bahamaland forward, upward, onward together to new levels of attaining national goals."

Quoting from Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes, he emphasised the importance of character. Said Sir Arthur:

"Another challenge is also the need for us to return to greater civic pride, civility, respect and basic good manners. Good morning, thank you and please are not merely courtesies. They are also a part of the social ties and graces which bind us together as one Bahamas.

"We afford others basic courtesies because they are part of our human and Bahamian family. These courtesies are a part of the Golden Rule that we should do unto others as we would have them do unto us.

"Dressing appropriately, refraining from foul language in public and driving courteously demonstrate that we have respect for our own person as well as others."

"We want our students to respect themselves by dressing in the appropriate uniforms when they attend school; by getting to school on time; and by learning as much as they can in the classroom."

They are to "respect their teachers, administrators, parents and peers by conducting themselves in accordance with school rules at all times by showing appropriate deference to those in authority by ensuring that homework is done consistently and on time, by seeking to be positive role models for other students in their school and communities and by participation in school activities which promote discipline, school spirit and which assist in the development of leadership skills."

In other words, let's turn the page back and recapture the real Bahamian youth before he found it hip to join gangs, use foul language, take knives to school as weapons and sit on walls smoking marijuana.

An appeal was also made to parents "to show respect and responsibility this school year by paying close attention to the academic progress of their children; by getting to know their teachers and staying in close contact with them throughout the school year, by ensuring that their children choose their friends wisely by limiting the time that children spend watching television, exploring the Internet, or immersing themselves in computerized and digital games and by monitoring their conduct, homework and school attendance."

Parents who go to school to beat up the teacher, or close down the school should be severely dealt with.

If there are problems they should not be allowed on school premises unless they know how to civilly meet the teacher and politely discuss their complaint.

As far as discipline is concerned the ban on cell phones in all public schools will continue.

"Cell phones have no place in our schools," Mr Bannister emphasised.

These phones are used for many purposes other than school work, among them calling in outside reinforcements if things go wrong on the playground.

Mr Bannister needs all the support the community can give him if our schools are to remain centres of learning rather turfs for brawling gangs to settle old scores.

The Bahamas needs educated citizens if it is to be a strong country. This can be done only if responsible parents join hands with educators to prepare responsible young people to shoulder the future.