Ngorr
I doubt whether you will get a fruitful response on
the points you have raised. I think Gassa should be
reminded that notwithstanding PPP's failure to build
more High Schools, the standard of education was far
Higher than what we are experiencing under the APRC.
Whereas under the PPP regime we had O Levels and A
Levels Examination which were recognised worldwide,
the new Grade 12 qualification offered by the APRC
government seem to be inferior. A Grade 12 graduate
seeking University Entrance in either the United
Kingdom or other Commonwealth nation will have to
spend 4 years in University as compared to the 3 years
afforded to Students with A Level qualifications.
Second point to note whilst the APRC has built MORE
schools, there is a lot to be desired. There are
students who still complain about the scarcity of
reliable Textbooks. By the way, did n't we hear about
the story of Undergraduate Courses at the Gambia
University due to lack of College Text Books. Thanks
to those patriotic Gambians who have decided to make
book donations to the Gambia University.
Third point let us revisit the latest from CRD enjoy
reading this piece of information
Our Condition is the Worst in the Country, CRD
Teachers Lament
The Independent (Banjul)
April 8, 2002
Posted to the web April 8, 2002
By Abdoul Malick Kijera
Banjul
Teachers posted in the Central River Division have
protested their living condition, saying it must be
the worst in the whole country.
Our reporter who was on a tour of the CRD said
teachers in different schools from lower, upper to
basic schools described their working conditions as
appalling and miserable. Some among them described
their postings to schools in the area as a punishment
from educational authorities.
The teachers who spoke under condition of anonymity
for fear of "serious consequences from the top" said
as a result of their deteriorating situation,
education in the area has recorded very slow progress
in some areas but non in most places. They attacked
the government's education policy of introducing the
basic circle system, which they described as the worst
initiative to be introduced in the education system.
One teacher pointed out that a major problem facing
the education system in CRD is the lack of qualified
personnel and the scarcity of learning materials.
"Some schools have only one or two qualified teachers
with the rest Grade 12 graduates" he posited.
Other teachers gave graphic details of the general
problem they face tow of which are poor accommodation
or late payment of their salaries. One of them said he
has to trek a four-kilometer route from his village of
residence to school daily. "Although headmaster is
understanding of our problem, it is not enough" he
said.
Some disgruntled teachers accused the Education
Department of overusing them by assigning them to run
two classes, "which is unacceptable".
A headmaster of one of the basic circle schools told
this reporter that "honestly education is failing in
CRD because of the basic circle system
"How can you expand the school by erecting buildings
and change to basic circle system while teachers are
lacking, particularly qualified ones" he inquired.
This reporter was also taken on a conducted tour of
the headmaster's school, where damaged furniture were
plenty. Eight students share one desk, sitting on
opposite sides. A female teacher in one class
explained how difficult it is to teach "under such a
frustrating situation". She said students complain to
her for more tables.
This reporter also visited a particular basic circle
school where he found four tables in each class
accommodating more than forty children.
According to the headmaster each teacher is assigned
to teach two subjects, while students rotate from
class to class for lesson because of insufficient
furniture. He added that the dearth in teachers has
meant that he is running the school without a woodwork
and metalwork teacher.
Students who spoke to this reporter described the
situation as unbearable and vowed to transfer to
schools in Regions 1 and 2.
A female student said providing free education for
girl in region 5 and 6 would be ridiculous if their
living condition remains poor, bad and frustrating.
Teachers have warned that they would resign their jobs
if the government does not look into their condition.
When this reported contacted the secretary general of
The Gambia Teachers' Union Abuboucarr Jeng said the
union would visit CRD soon to assess the situation. He
made it categorically clear that it is not the role of
the union to post teachers to schools, but it is its
responsibility to solicit the attention of the
Education Department to some problem.He said they have
received similar complaints from URD and part of the
CRD and had compiled a report on those concerns and
sent to the Education Department.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright © 2002 The Independent. All rights reserved.
Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just a thought, no hard feelings
Sanusi Owens
> crucial question i asked:
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