Our human nature, sadly, sees us more readily complaining and criticizing than appreciating and commending. Very often we ignore occasions for appreciation and commendation. This is very true of our Education System and those who manage and work in the Education Sector. These often seem to be under constant attack. The Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School (ALHCS) Business Department’s recently celebrated week of activities is a clear indication that many of the attacks are unfounded. This week The Anguillian, therefore, focuses the nation’s attention on the sterling efforts of the members of the Business Department of the ALHCS.
Throughout the week beginning 3rd February, 2020, students, teachers, parents and members of the public were treated to an opportunity to share, display and witness the learning, business ideas and entrepreneurship ventures of students and teachers of the ALHCS. Three of the activities are certainly worthy of our appreciation and commendation. On Tuesday 4th February, 2020, attendees at the Teachers’ Resource Centre saw five business ideas presented by the CAPE Entrepreneurship Students, in what was dubbed The ALHCS Business Idea Basket. The students were tasked with presenting creative and innovative ideas on the development of the Sandy Ground Pond. Judges and attendees were suitably impressed with not only the creative and innovative nature of the ideas presented – but with the ability of the presenters to clearly and effectively communicate their ideas. Very often, we complain of the failure of our Education System to engage our students in the practical aspects of life. Tuesday’s Business Idea Basket certainly required students to apply their theoretical learning to a practical purpose. It is, therefore, certainly not true to suggest that the ALHCS is not a progressive institution and is still steeped in the ‘talk and chalk’ era.
The ALHCS Business Idea Basket was followed up on Wednesday 5th February, 2020, with The Ethne Richardson Entrepreneurship Exposition. This event served a two-fold purpose. The Business Department recognised the sterling contributions of Mrs. Ethne Richardson, a retired stalwart of the ALHCS Business Department, while allowing the staff and pupils of the ALHCS to display and promote their entrepreneurial efforts. It was heartening to see colleagues recognise and pay tribute to a fellow colleague for her contributions to their collective work. This is an attitude that it would be good to see pervade the entire Anguillian community.
The businesses on display, at the Exposition, clearly demonstrated that the ALHCS is not all about theoretical learning but is very much engaging students in the practical and real life activities associated with the theoretical aspects of their learning. Additionally, the business displays, by the teachers, were a clear indication that the teachers are leading by example. This is certainly not a case of, ‘we teach because we can’t do’.
The ALHCS Business Week also provided an opportunity for students to benefit from the experience of community practitioners. Fourth and Fifth Formers of the ALHCS participated on the afternoons of 6th and 7th February, 2020, in what was described as mini conferences. Individuals with experience in both the private and public sectors shared on topics that covered professional standards in the workplace, as well as the benefits and burdens of owning and /or managing a business in Anguilla. The members of the ALHCS Business Department again demonstrated that they recognise the value of practical input into the learning process.
Will the progressive work of the ALHCS, and particularly the ALHCS Business Department, on this occasion, receive the appreciation and commendation it deserves? The Anguillian certainly believes that the commendable work of the ALHCS, its departments and staff is worthy of recognition.
Constructive criticism should always be welcome and should be designed to ensure improvements rather than to simply denounce.This is particularly important in relation to our Education System, since developments in the Education Sector are dynamic and, therefore, we can expect that the one constant in our Education System is likely to be change. When we see our practitioners responding positively to the need for change, even as we recognise the need for further change, let us be welcoming, appreciative and supportive rather than merely critical.
We have much to celebrate while we seek further improvements.
