Dear Editor,
It's that time of year when schools and the education ministry are knocking heads as to the expensive graduation packages. I believe that the 'hype' associated with basic school graduations is just for parents to have an outlet to show how nicely they can dress and how well they can dress their children.
I attended Spanish Town Infant as a child, and I remember having a very small service; nothing spectacular. I then went on to St Catherine Primary, where we graduated in our uniforms and the very same thing happened when I graduated from Wolmer's Girls'. Do I feel any less than those who graduated in gowns at every stage of their academic journey? I sure don't.
Parents spending over $10,000 for a child who, the following week, won't even remember half of what took place is just a grand waste. If you want to have a big celebration create one at your home and stop pleading to the ministry to understand your need to show off how well you can dress yourself and your child.
Students from basic to high school should graduate in their uniforms. Let there not be another outlet for contrasts to be made, but allow each child to feel comfortable amongst their friends. Having this "dressing up" thing will only allow the children from poor homes to feel inferior and we already have enough of that in society.
What is really sad is that when the money for school fees is needed oftentimes the money cannot be found; but the money magically appears when is time to jump up for celebration. Use the money you would have spent to celebrate graduation to ensure that your child is making the most of their educational experience.
Based on my observations, most times it's those parents whose children aren't doing as well who go overboard to ensure that they are well dressed on graduation day. A basic school graduation shouldn't be costing over $10,000 when on everyone's lips is the cry that times are hard.
Before you squint it's back-to-school time again and money will be needed for school supplies. Whatever money you have for graduation kindly put it up.
Saccheen Laing
saccheenlaing@gnail.com
Stop hyped-up graduations!
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It's that time of year when schools and the education ministry are knocking heads as to the expensive graduation packages. I believe that the 'hype' associated with basic school graduations is just for parents to have an outlet to show how nicely they can dress and how well they can dress their children.
I attended Spanish Town Infant as a child, and I remember having a very small service; nothing spectacular. I then went on to St Catherine Primary, where we graduated in our uniforms and the very same thing happened when I graduated from Wolmer's Girls'. Do I feel any less than those who graduated in gowns at every stage of their academic journey? I sure don't.
Parents spending over $10,000 for a child who, the following week, won't even remember half of what took place is just a grand waste. If you want to have a big celebration create one at your home and stop pleading to the ministry to understand your need to show off how well you can dress yourself and your child.
Students from basic to high school should graduate in their uniforms. Let there not be another outlet for contrasts to be made, but allow each child to feel comfortable amongst their friends. Having this "dressing up" thing will only allow the children from poor homes to feel inferior and we already have enough of that in society.
What is really sad is that when the money for school fees is needed oftentimes the money cannot be found; but the money magically appears when is time to jump up for celebration. Use the money you would have spent to celebrate graduation to ensure that your child is making the most of their educational experience.
Based on my observations, most times it's those parents whose children aren't doing as well who go overboard to ensure that they are well dressed on graduation day. A basic school graduation shouldn't be costing over $10,000 when on everyone's lips is the cry that times are hard.
Before you squint it's back-to-school time again and money will be needed for school supplies. Whatever money you have for graduation kindly put it up.
Saccheen Laing
saccheenlaing@gnail.com
Stop hyped-up graduations!
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