Dear Editor,
As we are in a season of enquiries into actual and alleged wrongdoings, why don’t we, the mainstream print media and the Ministry of Education, conduct an enquiry into the right-doing of Saraswati Vidya Niketan to see what we can adapt and adopt with respect to educating our so-called bright, not so bright, and not bright children?
SVN is the closest thing we in Guyana have that can be described as a model school. It is not a perfect school; the Headteacher noted in his remarks at the recent graduation that it faces challenges. But it has undoubtedly done well both by its high achievers, and by those who would otherwise be sentenced to what are called community high schools.
Although the Principal, Swami Aksharananda, and the school, are seen as ‘strict’ by students, parents, and the community, to my knowledge corporal punishment is not employed there.
In addition to the obvious levels of high discipline, there is an unmistakable atmosphere of tranquility there, during the school day and even during the transition periods between the morning and afternoon sessions. Some students might be doing 10 or 15 or 20 CXC subjects, but there is also dance, music, yoga, and attention to the spirit. The teachers look nice and the environment is spotless!
If such an institution teeming with adolescents is possible in Cornelia Ida on the West Coast in Guyana, it is surely possible anywhere and everywhere in our country.
And, as I have the attention of all who are concerned about the content and quality of education and life in Guyana: why is the International Decade for People of African Descent (IDPAD) being treated as though it is about black people and not about all people, Africa being the birthplace and cradle of humankind?
What are teachers teaching and children learning about the history of humanity?
Why do we not know, and act as though we know, that we are all, without exception, descendants of African ancestors.
I am aware of what the international movers and shakers had in mind for the Decade; but we in Guyana need to be creative with every opportunity provided, given our own past and present challenges, to help us move our country towards the healthy and happy future we all want and need.
The Decade goes until 2024, so there is still time for the Ministries of Education, Social Cohesion, ACDA, and all respecters of truth and history, to acknowledge and remind ourselves that despite differences, we are all descendents of the first human beings and learn about, and take pride in, the diverse ways in which we have all developed since our common beginning.
I am hopeful. President David Granger, himself a student of history, expressed the desire to be invited back to next year’s SVN graduation ceremony. October 16, 2016 was his second SVN graduation experience. “I’m starting to feel like family,” he said to the general assembly.
Yours faithfully,
Bonita Harris
