MY FB BLOG Before I write anything let me make this disclaimer: The following is an independent observation based on a statement by the Prime Minister of Dominica-Hon Skerritt that I read about on Dominica News Online. This in no way has ANYHTING TO DO with party affiliation or support, but my own opinion based on what was said recently by the PM about reading. Many of you may be aware that I was a teacher for 5 years at the St.Marys Academy, my Alma Mater, having attended from 1967-73. I had the great pleasure of serving with some very devoted staff members under the leadership of Br. Germain. It was a great distinction having been appointed to teach at the school by Br. Germain and his deputy at the time Mr. Rupert Socorro Sorhaindo. During those five years, I had the great opportunity of helping to shape the lives of a number of young men. I taught English (Language, Grammar and Literature.) As an educator it was my responsibility to impart the best that I could to these young men and that included reading. Over the years I have been privileged to hear from a number of these young men who have thanked me for having been in their young lives and being part of their foundation... As an educator and even after that I have always been alarmed at the reading capabilities, levels and importance placed on it by many segments of our society. I used to wonder how it was that the local newspapers could not get to sellout their weekly papers. I saw that up close in my village. I was a member of the Campeche Youth group that ran a community library in St. Joseph for a number of years. We were proud to provide an avenue for our young people to get acquainted with books donated by the Andres and Jollys in New York.. One of our most frequent visitors to the library was Mr. Stephen Isidore...and I am sure it played a role in his chosen career. I remember inviting a Minister of Government back then to visit so as to get help to keep the library going and assistance to employ a young person to run the library....dont have to tell you what was his response and there I realized how that government minister saw the importance of a library was in a community with a high school and two primary schools. In my opinion, too many over the years played lip service to reading. If one is not able to read there are many issues that will present themselves: the inability to understand directions and thus being able to pass exams; the inability to understand the directions for taking medications; the inability to read and understand what is written in a book and enjoy what is written in that book and the inability to educate oneself on the happenings in their communities and their region and the world to that extent. With the advancement in technology, many parents are allowing their kids to be surrounded by all available gadgets. Many, before they can walk and talk have cells phones; the tech games and we think that is all. Yes, maybe they can talk and use the phone but what about their ability to read and progress through school? The ability to read and eventually make it to college; the ability to compete. There is the story of an NBA player who went through high school, college and finally graduated through a basketball scholarship. However he could not read. It was discovered one night when he was at a game holding a newspaper upside down, pretending that he was reading. And I am sure we know many among us who have to seek help to read the simplest of documents. It was okay because for the young athlete he was on a scholarship to play basketball, not to gain an education, so to speak. But after college sports, there is life as many like that college student sadly came to realize. Some in our communities are ashamed of their inability to read and do not seek help because they dont want anyone to know that they cant read. In this modern day, no one should be unable to read. A country whose people are not able to read will have difficulties moving forward and competing in this modern day. A country with its youth unable to read is heading for the cliff. I agree with Mr. Skerritt or ANYONE prepared to grapple this problem...we need well rounded individuals to keep this country moving forward as well as the well educated ones, working hand in hand. We need to strive to end illiteracy and it has to start at the home. Parents have to play their part and not depend on teachers and technology to do that for them. What happens when there is no electricity? Electronics are useless but being able to read a good book cannot be understated. The authorities have to step up and evaluate the situation carefully or we are going to be in dire straits. When I was a commentator at church on Sundays, Fr. Jolly, who was the Parish Priest in St. Joseph, used to ensure that we attended practice sessions. He wanted us to read in a manner that the congregation understood what we read and that we read clearly and plainly. Many of us may have heard the joke of the roadside preacher who pretended to read from the Bible but sadly repeated something that his coach said that is found nowhere in the Bible.... I hope that all with a stake in the development of our country and that includes the DLP, UWP, the Media, Freedom, the schools (especially kindergarten) the and the Education authorities rally together and deal with the issue. In my opinion, this goes way beyond party politics...but the future of our young people. When we read we learn to speak, write and spell....and I dont have to point out to you where this shows up regularly. The ability to read is power. Reading is the doorway to being an educated, well rounded individual, though some may disagree with me. The way one reads speaks volumes about that person. The plan to build a new library building is great news-long, long, overdue and hopefully it will be a tool in the eradication of illiteracy...and maybe someday we may see satellite libraries in strategic communities throughout the island. Let me end with this saying by Dr. Seuss: The more that you read, the more things you will know. the more that you learn, the more places youll go.
Posted on: Thu, 13 Feb 2014 05:45:33 +0000
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