The Valley Anguilla – During the week of February 7th, the Ministry of Education engaged in a series of group and individual meetings in a concerted effort to arrive at solutions to the challenges being faced by the teachers and staff of the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School (ALHCS). While the recent spats of violence and illicit activities have been alarming, both the leadership and school community are positive that – with a partnered approach – improvements can be realised in short order. Across the board and through the tiers of Government, hard commitments were made to enact the changes needed. These changes include – but are not limited to:
Updates to and the full adoption of the behavioural management policy
Amendments to the incident reporting procedure to ensure streamlined acknowledgement and action
Updated distribution lists to ensure effective communication between the school and parents
An assessment of perimeter fencing
Signing of MOU with RAPF to monitor and address issues of loitering around the ALHCS and other schools
Commenting on the series of meetings, findings, and the way forward, the Hon. Minister Dee-Ann Kentish-Rogers first thanked the full staff component of the ALHCS for being clear and concise on the efforts and resources needed to improve the teaching environment – and their functioning in their roles. The Minister went on to thank all the parents who took the time to be present at the meetings, called, texted and even showed up at the Constituency Office, to share their input and commitment to combating these troubling occurrences.
Summarising the week Minister Kentish-Rogers stated, “The events of last week, and the dialogue that followed, are clear signals that deliberate changes must be considered in education and its delivery. As useful and as enlightening as these discussions were, we have not yet gotten to the bottom of all the causes for the violence and indiscipline on display. I can confidently assure the public, however, that as stakeholders we are personally accountable and publicly commit to the responsibility of doing our part. The stage will be set for meaningful resolution and refreshing advancement.
“The solutions will not be simple, easy or happen overnight, as we didn’t arrive at this position in that manner – but we will work together to ensure that the solutions bring about the change so desperately needed. I encourage Anguillians everywhere to join with me in being committed to our children and to a better system for all”.
It is important to note that the efforts to address the concerns in the school system is also shared by the Anguilla Teachers’ Union (ATU). President Cherise Gumbs shared that, “the Anguilla Teachers’ Union recognises that teachers are met with several challenges across the island, with school violence and disrespect for authority being at the pinnacle of these challenges. We have realised that this problem can only be solved through a concerted effort among teachers, parents, and all other stakeholders in education.
“The ATU applauds all who have recognised that this effort must be made collectively. Now it is time to get the wheels churning. We pledge to stay committed to the task. In doing so, we know that we must work collaboratively with the Department and the Ministry, and most importantly support and protect our teachers. We also remain committed to our mission ‘A better education for a brighter future’. We look forward to a happy and healthier education system”.
