The Intersection of Gender, Culture and Education: Jamaica: The Next 50 Years!

Our education system is akin to a roller coaster ride. There are moments of turbulence countered by pockets of harmonious teaching and learning. This topsy turvy reality is not conducive to teaching and learning. Disturbingly, what remains constant is the fact that our students at the primary and secondary levels are not reading as they should. Reading for many students has become a task and this is problematic. Many students view reading as punitive. Our methods of socialization both in the home and at school have greatly contributed to this negative perception of reading. Students’ unenthusiastic opinions of reading have been amplified in this digital age where the physical book has almost been rendered obsolete, as technological gadgets such as smart phones and tablets have become commonplace in most societies. Many of us can recall in our childhood being told to go and take up our books after engaging in some inappropriate behaviour. Unfortunately, this practice concerning readi...

“Biased algorithms, outright lies, and hate speech are landmines on the information superhighway. Accurate, verifiable, fact-based information is the best tool to defuse them.”- UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Journalism as a profession continues to be the bedrock of democracy. Yet, in some societies governments have placed obstacles in the path of members of the Fourth Estate. Unsurprisingly, in such societies press freedom is handicapped and the pursuit of the truth is dangerous. Undoubtedly, an atmosphere of transparency and fairness are critical pillars for journalism to thrive. Unfortunately, in a growing number of countries, the media landscape is characterized in fear and intimidation. The emergence of Artificial Intelligence has also added another complex layer for journalists to navigate. The rapid growth and use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the media landscape and press freedom in multiple ways. Whereas the principles of free, independent, and plura...

“Jazz has always been about bringing people together, breaking barriers, and inspiring creativity across cultures. International Jazz Day reminds us that music has the power to transcend borders, foster dialogue, and spark joy and hope.”- Herbie Hancock. Although the history of Jazz music is complex and often debated, historians for the most part agree on the geography of Jazz origins. Jazz started as an uniquely American sound, forged in the melting pot of cultures in the South, particularly in New Orleans in Louisiana. The port city was a blend of Creole culture and African traditions, peppered with European influences. Geographical and Cultural Origins According to Suemedha Sood, jazz started around 1819 in Congo Square, an outdoor space in New Orleans where slaves would congregate on Sundays when they did not have to work. According to the Ken Burns documentary Jazz, the slaves would sing, play music and dance, swaying back and forth to the songs of their home countries. Meanwh...

“Veterinarians are typically looked at by the public as caretakers of their beloved pets, but the reality is, we are so much more than that,” Dr. de Jong. Animals have always played a positive and encouraging role in our lives. The interactions between humans and animals have evolved over the years. In recent times many businesses have emerged that provide grooming and animal care services. Of course, such services are separate and apart from the essential service the veterinarian provides. Animals do get sick and as such they will require specialized care. Owning an animal is a long term commitment both in terms of financial resources as well as your time. World Veterinary Day is celebrated annually on the last Saturday of April to honour the indispensable role veterinarians play in protecting animal health, public health, and the environment. Established by the World Veterinary Association, this day recognizes the dedication of veterinary professionals in improving animal welfar...

"Giving women equal opportunities in STEM careers helps reduce the gender wage gap, improves women's economic security, ensures a diverse and talented workforce, and prevents bias. Not only do women need the opportunities, but their communities and countries urgently require their contribution to find new solutions to the problems we face as a society.”- Maria Noel Vaeza, UN Women's Regional Director for the Americas and the Caribbean. Patriarchy and male privileging are oftentimes the overarching barriers regarding girls achieving their full potential. The International Day of Girls in Information and Communication Technologies is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in April to highlight the importance of girls in I.C.T. as well as to encourage more girls and young women to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education. Undoubtedly, there is a disconnect between reality and what ought to happen. Sadly, in many quarters of the world, such as Afgha...

“Any book that helps a child to form a habit of reading, to make reading one of his deep and continuing needs, is good for him.”- Maya Angelou. World Book and Copyright Day observed annually on April 23 is celebrated in more than 100 countries and serves as a meaningful reminder of the value of books and the written word. The day encourages young people to explore the world of literature, nurtures the creativity of future writers and promotes the importance of reading in personal and academic spheres. On this day, the three major stakeholders in the book industry, publishers, booksellers and libraries unite to organize various events to promote book reading. Unfortunately, in many parts of the world reading a book can be considered a dying activity. With the advent of the digital age many books are now in electronic forms, however, a significant number of our children do not read. As a result, the significance of this day is not as potent as it should be. April 23 is significant be...

"The Earth is God's gift to us, full of beauty and wonder, where the fruits of the Earth belong to everyone." – Pope Francis. One of the most disquieting issues associated with international days is their inability to galvanize support beyond their niche audience. The same is also true for Earth Day which is commemorated annually on April 22. Of course, there will always be the official functions, where the media is invited and the speeches are on target. However, in some instances after the media returns to their respective media houses the passion and work also fades. Regrettably, matter concerning the environment is not give the same attention as non-environmental matters. Oftentimes, some of the biggest abusers of the environment are state agencies. Unfortunately, in circumstances like these the sanctions are often lukewarm and this message reverberates within and outside environmental circles. In other words the sanctions do not serve as a deterrent. In many quarte...