Disappointed in educational system

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I AM the father of a 10-year-old attending the Mandeville All-Age School. Though not in Jamaica, I make myself quite responsible for him supportively, to the point when I don't hear from his not so responsible mother, I send money for him via Victoria Mutual in Mandeville.

On my arrival in Jamaica, I sent a note to the mother to bring the boy to visit me, and collect some funds. I made him know that he'll have to read for me because three years ago when I was there last, he couldn't even spell rat, yet in three hours, I had him reading, and memorising very impressively, and nicely, plus identifying words at random.

He came with his mother. After meeting, greeting and reacting, I asked him to read for me. He did try, but to my horror and stunning astonishment, my son of 10 years attending the Mandeville All-Age school could not tell me what 'pet' is.

I immediately chided the mother for being useless, as far as helping the child. After a little lecture on the benefit of learning, reading, and writing, he asked me for a bike. I said, when I return to Canada I'll send the money. I then said why you need a bike? He said to ride. Spell the word ride, I said. About three minutes passed and a 10-year-old boy with a bright father, and a not-so-dumb mother could not spell 'ride', neither did he even know that ride begins with 'R', and when told, he did not know the second letter is 'I'.

I now call upon Mr. Whiteman who knows my business place in Canada to implement means by which these "slow learners'" problems can be addressed. Meanwhile 'Mandeville Comprehensive All-Age', pull up your socks, and do the job for which you are paid.

I am etc.,,

B. DANNE, 2675 Bedford H19, MtI. H3S1G2 Que., Canada

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