My Passion

In Trinidad and Tobago and other countries worldwide, literacy is a pressing concern for governments, educators and the general public. One of the major thrusts of the Education Policy Paper (1993-2003) is to "improve the quality of learning levels of achievement in all areas of our schools but especially in those areas where underachievement and failure are particularly marked." Concerns have been raised by teachers in Trinidad and Tobago that children leaving the infant level have not mastered skills such as simple sight vocabulary, simple phonic patterns and word attack skills. Presently, this is having a negative impact on our country in terms of crime, unwanted pregnancies, school drop outs and poverty.

It is therefore necessary for an extensive evaluation of literacy practices in primary and secondary schools in Trinidad and Tobago. Our SEA and National Tests results speak volumes. If we as educators are to meet the needs of our students, there must be expert planning and implementation of the literacy programme.

Reading is my passion and it is my wish that teachers will assess and revise existing literacy strategies and incorporate technology in education to ensure the children of the infant levels are equipped with the skills necessary to become successful readers.