Differing views shared on school programmesWeb Posted - Sat Mar 25 2006
MINISTER of State in the Ministry of Education Cynthia Forde and Member of Parliament (MP) for St. Philip West Dr. David Estwick expressed differing views on programmes in schools during the debate on the Estimates on Thursday night.
Ms. Forde said the before and after school care programme, which provides supervision of children, is important and fills the vacuum left as a result of a lack of parental guidance.
She said more Barbadians support this, as it would provide better monitoring of children and forge linkages and relationships within communities and with parents. According to her, it would avoid the trend of "latchkey children" that have to provide for themselves after school.
In his contribution, Dr. Estwick asked for an evaluation of the early childhood development programme, adding that he believes that evidence would show that it is not in the best interest of the child.
He called for "alternative methods to deal with this problem", saying that the pre-school is not a substitute for the home or the community.
Minister Forde also said Project Oasis is successful and funding allocated to it is "very worthwhile". She said the Block Committee has touched 25 communities within the year, and those involved do courses with entities such as the Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic, in a range of areas such as electrical installation and organic farming.
Ms. Forde also lauded the Parent Volunteer Programme, saying that it helps parents, children and teachers to embrace each other and is now at all primary schools.
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