PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – “We have some serious challenges that remain a constant reality in our present educational system,” remarked former Educator, UD candidate and former Minister of Tourism Stuart Johnson.
“Educators are faced on a daily basis with students facing social, emotional, and physical challenges while trying to stimulate learning. Some schools remain unconducive for learning as the passage of Hurricane Irma only exposed some of the hidden realities facing our educational facilitates,” Johnson said.
I have been an educator and school manager for over a decade witnessing first hand the everyday realities facing our students and school staff. “We got to have more persons interested in becoming teachers and provide incentives for this noble profession. I will continue to echo these sentiments, as we continue to groom our future leaders and citizens,” Johnson added.
“I have always been outspoken on these matters as my genuine passion remains deeply rooted in education. I am shocked that individuals today because of an election campaign realized schools exist on our island. Where were you for the past months and years? I cannot imagine the selective amnesia of some individuals and some departments that suddenly remember schools while it has been your duty always to ensure the facilities are secured at all times.”
Johnson added, “The issues of unemployment, eradication of poverty and any semblance of crime, you fight with education and not with guns or mere election banter.”
I am restating a public stance I made years ago as an educator, “education is a nonpartisan issue.” We need to see the system itself change and a revision of Foundation Based Education as it is not working in its present form. I believe the language of instruction either English or Dutch should be a choice while ensuring there is an acceptable proficiency of both languages. We need a literacy program enforced not a language of instruction only system while ensuring our children are ready for any challenges ahead. We need to elevate our young minds as we know our youth are most resilient and not keep them boxed in or confined to simply one language when we are living in a global world of many languages.”
“Repeatedly I took my concerns time and time again to the Council of Ministers despite having a different responsibility. I did not turn my back on my colleagues in education as election or no election, I am an educator by heart ensuring every child is able to reach their maximum God-given potential no matter the district they live,” Johnson concluded.
