The Teachers’ Resource Centre was packed to capacity on Monday evening with an audience which included, family, supporters, students, educators, government representatives et al.
The varied programme included renditions in song and instrumentals as well as perspectives on education through the eyes of a teacher, parent and student and a pastoral perspective. An endorsement of the book was presented by Dr. Lowell Hughes.
Vanterpool, in his book, addresses the acute need for a functional, rejuvenating, exciting and organic educational experience in the public school system of Anguilla. Situated in a thirty-year period from 1986 to the present, the book argues that since the advent of ‘comprehensive education’ much of the gains with regard to the child’s educational and emotional health have been eroded.
A salient point made throughout the pages of poetry and prose, is that during the thirty years under review the employment of measures such as extended subject offerings at schools, mounting after-school programmes and excessive traditional organs of testing have all been problematic. Additionally, Vanterpool suggests a rethink with reference to the proven unnecessary negative weight of awards ceremonies to ‘honour’ the few who survive the race for pseudo success.
In Broken Chords, Lennox has written in a candid, if incensed tone, to rally all stakeholders to meaningful and sustained effort in the education of Anguilla’s children. The book is intended to bring a renewed pulse to the effort of doing justice, loving mercy and walking humbly before our God – to make decisions by which we can prevent our precious young from stumbling.
Mr Vanterpool, in his response during the launch, stated that there is an opportunity for coming together and having the conversation escalated and sustained so that we can find ways of making it better for Anguilla’s diamonds – Our Children. He opined that there is no place for complacency as we are all called to keep our children at the forefront, to protect, to care and to nurture.
Broken Chords will undoubtedly act as a catalyst for stimulating national debate on education reform on Anguilla.
He expressed profound thanks to his family for their unwavering support, to all who participated in the programme and those who worked tirelessly through their contributions to make the book launch the success that it was.
The book is available at a cost of EC$61.75 or US$22.50. Stay tuned to various media sources for available outlets or you may contact Mr Vanterpool directly. Broken Chords: Education and Social Justice in Post 1986 Anguilla a must read for every home on Anguilla.
– Contributed
