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

“Who dares to teach must never cease to learn”-John Cotton Dana Homework is usually a bad word for most students. Homework, otherwise known as practicing is an important element in a student’s overall success. Over the years the issue of homework has been controversial and contentious. Opinions concerning homework are split among educators, parents and even students. Educators have diverse opinions about the need for homework. Parents too also have strong views about how often, how much and what types of homework their children should have. Students believe the practice of homework should end with immediate effect. There are three factors to consider regarding the setting of homework in order for students to benefit as much as possible. Factors such as Maintaining Equity and Time are important to maximize the benefits of homework.   It is very important that when assigning homework educators must ensure that all students have equal opportunities for success as this speaks to th...

Nursing like all other professions of a nurturing nature continues to be female dominated. According to the US Census Bureau, less than ten (10%) per cent of American registered nurses (RNs) are men. Since its inception fifteen years ago, the Nurse of the Year Award has served to highlight the sterling contribution of nurses to the general well being of the Jamaican society. Lasco, the sponsors of the Nurse of the Year award should be commended for their vision as they continue to lead in being good corporate citizens. Interestingly, it appears as if our male nurses have stayed away from this competition since no male has ever been awarded this most coveted honour. I am sure we have male nurses in the public health care system. I am also sure our male nurses are as hard working as their female colleagues. It seems a bit strange that in fifteen years of competition not even one male nurse have proven himself worthy to qualify for such an award. Maybe in years to come we will see a male...

It is God who arms me with strength      and keeps my way secure. 33  He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;      he causes me to stand on the heights. 34  He trains my hands for battle;      my arms can bend a bow of bronze. 35  You make your saving help my shield,      and your right hand sustains me;      your help has made me great. 36  You provide a broad path for my feet,      so that my ankles do not give way.

A society is as great as the public education system which caters to the children of that society. The Jamaican education system over the years has gone through a process of transformation. However, for the most part our policy makers have failed the nation’s children as this transformation has been hijacked by interest groups to the detriment of sustainable development. We continue to give our politicians unbridled power to do just about anything without any level of accountability and transparency. The meddling of our politicians over successive governments into the education system is now being felt by all in a negative way. One area of the education system which has been overlooked is that of the composition of school boards.   In too many instances our school boards are full of political appointees many of whom have no interest in education.   This process of political interference inevitable contributes to the failing status that many of our schools now find themselves ...

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2  He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3  He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5  Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever .

According to the Office of the Children’s Registry (OCR) between January to September 2013 there were 8,527 reports of child abuse. As a society there is a tendency for us to become sidetracked with minor issues instead of focusing on the major issues. The latest saga which has captivated the nation’s attention involves the human rights group Jamaicans for Justice. Jamaicans for Justice is accused of introducing a sexuality course in six private children’s home without the approval of the Child Development Agency. The course was titled “Realizing Sexual and Reproductive Health Responsibly” and the content was considered inappropriate for the children in state care.      However, the main issue we need to focus on is the fact our children rights based institutions are desperately lacking in support from the government. A good example of this is the Office of the Children’s Advocate which continues to be understaffed and underfunded. As a result this organiz...

Good governance becomes jeopardized when the justice system in society is considered as ineffective and the citizenry becomes disillusioned.-Wayne Campbell

In order for a society to have Sustainable Development that society must first ensure that all gender barriers are dismantled and that the collective energies of both sexes are utilized-Wayne Campbell