Dear Editor,
Belize’s education system is designed to create an elite, and a majority failing underclass. Albert Einstein said, “Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will lives its whole life believing it is stupid.” This is what is happening to the majority of our youth in the education system.
It is difficult to implement change in the education system of Belize and the Caribbean because the decision makers are beneficiaries of the present system. They blame the individuals for their inability to progress in the current education system. Teachers also get the blame for poor student performance. The system is doing what it was designed to do – create a ruling elite and a majority servile class.
Our ruling class thinks there is nothing wrong with the system, but there are lazy people who cause trouble to the society. When I used to mark the Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate (CSEC) face to face, I tried to convince some higher-ups that the Examinations need reform, but was unsuccessful. Since that body is the Examining body for the region and Belize, they are integral to educational reform. Teachers teach to test, and the test is designed to discriminate.
A plan must be developed and implemented to change Belize’s education system. It cannot just be superficial like teacher training and remedial classes for students. The system must aim in developing students’ abilities. The present system aims to select the better students which is inherent discrimination. I contend it is an unjust system. No justice, no peace.
Yours truly,
Brian Plummer