Dear Editor,
The start of the academic year in any society is typically greeted with an air of expectancy and promise. However, in Jamaica this positive outlook is usually short-lived as soon as the grim reality sets in bringing to the fore unforeseen as well as recurring problems to all the stakeholders involved in the business of education.
Each year thousands of Jamaican students either graduate from, drop out of, or are expelled from various educational institutions. Sadly, many of them leave school without any form of certification, rendering them helpless and almost hopeless in a globalised and competitive world. In this regard we have failed our students.
Recently, I came across some interesting and informative information regarding the work of the Jamaica Foundation For Lifelong Learning (JFLL). the JFLL has started a High School Diploma Equivalence Programme as of September 2014. The High School Diploma Equivalency (HSDE) programme is geared towards students 17 years and older and provides them with training at various levels. The programme has three levels:
HSDE Basic: The learner is taught lessons in basic literacy and numeracy, life skills, and information technology.
HSDE Intermediate: At this level you focus on high school studies (grades 7-9). Subjects taught at this level are: mathematics, English language, social studies, science and technology, and information technology.
Once you successfully complete the intermediate level, you will acquire the qualifications that will enable you to sit and pass the HEART entry level test to become a certified skill worker.
This initiative by JFLL is commendable. However, it makes very little sense to have such an important programme in the society yet much of the target audience is unaware of its existence. I became aware of this programme only by chance. The JFLL obviously needs to do a much better job in informing the Jamaican public about this programme.
The JFLL should embark on a massive public education programme targeting all secondary schools. However, the JFLL should zero in on the non-traditional high schools where a large number of students leave without any form of certification. Too many of our students fall by the wayside after high school, especially our young men. As a society we can and should do more to rescue them and provide skills training for those who show aptitude. In fact, we need a new thrust and vision to incorporate skills-based curricula in all schools at the secondary level.
There can be no level of sustainable development if the society continues to ignore the practical needs of a significant percentage of the youth population.
Wayne Campbell
waykam@yahoo.com
www.wayaine.blogspot.com
Good programme, JFLL, but...
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The start of the academic year in any society is typically greeted with an air of expectancy and promise. However, in Jamaica this positive outlook is usually short-lived as soon as the grim reality sets in bringing to the fore unforeseen as well as recurring problems to all the stakeholders involved in the business of education.
Each year thousands of Jamaican students either graduate from, drop out of, or are expelled from various educational institutions. Sadly, many of them leave school without any form of certification, rendering them helpless and almost hopeless in a globalised and competitive world. In this regard we have failed our students.
Recently, I came across some interesting and informative information regarding the work of the Jamaica Foundation For Lifelong Learning (JFLL). the JFLL has started a High School Diploma Equivalence Programme as of September 2014. The High School Diploma Equivalency (HSDE) programme is geared towards students 17 years and older and provides them with training at various levels. The programme has three levels:
HSDE Basic: The learner is taught lessons in basic literacy and numeracy, life skills, and information technology.
HSDE Intermediate: At this level you focus on high school studies (grades 7-9). Subjects taught at this level are: mathematics, English language, social studies, science and technology, and information technology.
Once you successfully complete the intermediate level, you will acquire the qualifications that will enable you to sit and pass the HEART entry level test to become a certified skill worker.
This initiative by JFLL is commendable. However, it makes very little sense to have such an important programme in the society yet much of the target audience is unaware of its existence. I became aware of this programme only by chance. The JFLL obviously needs to do a much better job in informing the Jamaican public about this programme.
The JFLL should embark on a massive public education programme targeting all secondary schools. However, the JFLL should zero in on the non-traditional high schools where a large number of students leave without any form of certification. Too many of our students fall by the wayside after high school, especially our young men. As a society we can and should do more to rescue them and provide skills training for those who show aptitude. In fact, we need a new thrust and vision to incorporate skills-based curricula in all schools at the secondary level.
There can be no level of sustainable development if the society continues to ignore the practical needs of a significant percentage of the youth population.
Wayne Campbell
waykam@yahoo.com
www.wayaine.blogspot.com
Good programme, JFLL, but...
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