Philipsburg – The Youth Link Foundation recently announced its stance on the issue of education and the construction of the new public school in Belvedere.
It is commendable to see how the current administration is continuing to carry out projects initiated by the previous Government,” Stuart Johnson President of the Youth Link Foundation (YLF) said.
“But Government must also equip the new school with teachers who are trained in Foundation Based Education (F.B.E.) and ensure that the necessary materials reach all classrooms,” Johnson said. “Today we have schools whereby teachers feel neglected and unappreciated along with the lack of adequate materials being found in the classrooms. These problems do not fall blame to one individual but it’s a collective responsibility of many who have the task of implementing the correct education policies,” Johnson said.
He alluded to the fact that many of the issues in education stemmed from the issue of those in authority making decisions using a “top-down approach” instead of vice versa.
“If the suggestions and feedback of teachers were considered before certain critical changes took place, we would have a better system in place today. Teachers carry the responsibility of educating our children, and have the hands on daily experience of working with our children.”
Johnson added, “I firmly believe the time has come for us to stop blaming and ignoring what is going on within the education field. Education is a nonpartisan issue, and should be treated as such. All hands are needed and I am personally willing to be part of any committee to bring about a positive education reform.”
The Youth Link Foundation would also like to see that the Government name, the soon to be constructed public school in Belvedere, after the late Vance James Jr. Johnson said, “He was a son of the soil, a former member of the Executive and Island Councils of St. Maarten, and most importantly an educator. His valuable contributions, throughout the years, to the development of our beloved St. Maarten should not go unnoticed.” Johnson concluded, “Let us continue to salute our heroes and continue to build this island into the greatest country in the world.”