Senior Multimedia Reporter
radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
Two recipients of National Awards, Shaheed Allaham and Zena Ramatali, are making recommendations to help improve T&T’s education system, which includes ensuring children are not taught in dilapidated and poor infrastructure and better parenting.
In an interview after receiving his Medal of Merit Gold for Education and Community Service, Allaham, a former school principal, highlighted the pressing need for more efficient referral systems for children requiring assistance.
“The most important challenges are discipline, a loaded curriculum, and the referral system,” Allaham said when asked about the major issues facing education in T&T.
He added, “The red tape and the length of time it takes to refer children in need are significant issues. Many children face challenges like dyslexia, autism, and slow learning. These are major hurdles for teachers who want to reach each child in their class.”
He emphasised the importance of engaging parents in the process.
“I would try to reach out to parents and educate them about parenting, especially in meeting the needs of children who are struggling the most,” he said. Calling for more collaboration among parents, teachers, and other stakeholders, Allaham stressed that discipline improves when everyone works together.
“Get all teachers on board, and when you have the support of parents through an active PTA, discipline becomes second to none. Yes, there were disciplinary issues in the schools I taught at, but with cooperation, these can be managed.”
While expressing his gratitude for the national recognition, Allaham added, “I did not expect to be rewarded. It’s an ecstatic feeling. It marks the pinnacle of my career.”
Meanwhile, Ramatali, who received the Hummingbird Silver Award for Education, echoed Allaham’s concerns and emphasized the need for better school infrastructure.
“Dilapidated school buildings have been a major problem, impacting the performance of children who score between zero and 30 per cent,” she said. “The environment must be conducive to teaching and learning.”
She called for a long-term solution to the ongoing problem of school repairs.
“For the past three decades, school repairs have been the same yearly issue. There should be ongoing repairs, and we must ensure that schools are well-resourced. Doctors don’t have to purchase their own equipment, so why should schools? If we can establish a proper system for maintaining schools and ensuring they have the necessary resources, this will reduce the challenges children, parents, and teachers face,” she added.
Ramatali also addressed the growing issue of social media and cyberbullying in schools.
“We need to focus on values education,” she said.
“What happens at home is mimicked outside. We need to ensure children are happy, and when they come to the classroom, we should teach the child, not just the subject. Many children are coming from communities where they feel unsafe. Schools should always be a safe haven for children.”
She recommended the implementation of conflict management and restorative practices in schools to address the rising issues of bullying and school violence.