A lively crowd of about seventy persons, mostly teachers from schools in Cayo South and Belmopan, attended and vocalized their opinions about the Free Text Book Programme for Primary Schools at a public consultation hosted by Galen University at the George Price Center in Belmopan on Thursday, November 20.
The CEO in the Ministry of Education, Mr. David Leacock, made the introductory remarks. He pointed out that they are using an independent contractor, Galen University, because they want a very transparent exercise. He explained that the primary objectives of the consultations, which are being done in all towns and cities, are to review the quality of the contents of the free textbooks, the durability of the books, and to hear recommendations on the way forward.
A few speakers had bones to pick with one of the Fast Phonics Readers being used in the younger classes. A number of speakers said they were very dissatisfied with the Social Studies Book being used, because it did not reflect life in Belize. One speaker said the Spanish Book being used is not consistent with the Spanish spoken in Belize. One teacher wondered why the Atlas of Belize, an essential book, was not included among the books selected for the programme. But overall, speakers at the consultation expressed satisfaction with the contents of the books in the Free Textbook Programme.
Complaints about the distribution of books appeared unanimous. Teachers explained about the great difficulty they have had working with insufficient text books. One teacher said they are setting up for final exams and her books have not arrived yet. Everyone thought the books were too flimsy to be used for more than a few years.
Some speakers expressed dismay that local publishing houses were not being used to produce books for the programme. One person pointed out that local publishing/printing houses employ Belizeans, so government should employ their services.
The consultation, sponsored by the Ministry of Education, was led by Dr. Alberto L. August of Galen University. At the conclusion of the Consultations (there are several more stops for the consultation team to make), the findings will be presented to the Ministry of Education.