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

“Translation is that which transforms everything so that nothing changes.”- Günter Grass. Learning a new language can be exciting. However, one has to have the passion and dedication to acquire the skills of a new language. Most of us who attended high school have been exposed to a second language. Most secondary schools offer Spanish as that option regarding language. However, not many of us see ourselves as becoming translators. Notwithstanding this, translation can and is a viable career option. The world of translation offers numerous opportunities, among them is the chance to travel and experience new cultures. In 2017, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution to observe September 30 as International Translation Day because it happens to be the feast day of the translator of the Bible, St. Jerome, who died in 420 AD. Established by the United Nations in 2017, International Translation Day serves as a tribute to the tireless efforts of translators and interpreters

“Tourism is a powerful force progress and mutual understanding. But in order to deliver its full benefits, this force must be protected and nurtured. Today, the climate emergency is threatening many travel destinations and the very survival of communities and economies that depend on tourism.”- António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General. Tourism is defined by the World Tourism Organization as a social, cultural and economic phenomenon which entails the movement of people to countries or places outside their usual environment for personal or business/professional purposes. These people are called visitors (which may be either tourists or excursionists; residents or non-residents) and tourism has to do with their activities, some of which involve tourism expenditure. The tourism sector is a major global driver of economic growth and lifeline for numerous families and communities. The number of travel and tourism jobs worldwide has remained below pre-pandemic levels, totaling 29

The word ‘dunce’ has always had a fixed address in our local lexicon. The summer holidays are now over, yet the narrative associated with the ‘dunce’ labeled knapsacks has carried over into the new academic year. We often underestimate the power and force of our popular culture to our detriment. Gone are the days when teachers were seen as role models for students; there has been a tsunami-like shift in our values and attitudes over the years and this has given rise to a number of sub-cultures many of which are toxic. Many of the social ills of the society are grounded in our painful past of enslavement and colonialization. Unfortunately, the State has been complicit in the promulgation of some of these social problems. Sadly, as a society we have internalized this trauma and as a result generation after generation have had to deal with social problems of various forms in our post-slavery society. Over the decades we have inherited and we have continued to nurture an elitist educati

Democracy is a universally recognized ideal and is one of the core values and doctrine of the United Nations (UN). Democracy fosters an environment for the protection and effective realization of human rights. Democracy over the years has taken on multiple manifestations. The meaning and expectation of democracy in the United States of America differs from the concept of democracy in China or Cuba. Undoubtedly, there can be no separation of democracy and human rights as both are intricately linked. It is critical that our young people are exposed to the principles of democracy both in theory and in practical steps as is done in Jamaica with the Youth Parliament. The National Youth Parliament is a joint effort between the Ministry of Education and Youth and the Houses of Parliament. The calls for the re-introduction of Civics to the national curriculum apparently have been answered as a number of educational institutions are offering the subject for the 2023/2024 academic year. Civic

Oftentimes we speak about literacy yet, the practicality regarding targeted interventions to support literacy in many educational institutions is hijacked in the politics of education. In the long term both the students and indeed the society suffer the consequences. Literacy ignities creativity and desire. Literacy is that springboard that must propel all students in order for them to navigate their educational journey successfully. Regrettably, without acquiring the tools of literacy one is imprisoned and those around also are serving this sentence. Literacy is a potent tool to eradicate generational poverty. Literacy also serves as a vehicle for social progress and sustainable development. Unfortunately, many societies do not invest as much in literacy skills as they ought to. The Global South oftentimes is burdened by debt repayment to multi-national lending agencies that cut into the budget that should be set aside as an investment in education. The statistic paints a damning pic

“The pending teacher shortage is the most critical education issue we will face in the next decade.”- David E. Price. Like most things in the universe the academic year has a rhythm to follow. The hot, humid and often contentious summer holidays went by quickly. The idly schools plants have been dusted off as schools are once again open for the 2023/2024 academic year. The uniforms are all neatly ironed, khakis have been seamed, textbooks have been purchased and most importantly the students and teachers are ready to take on the challenges for another academic year. The 2023/2024 academic year already has a number of unknown quantities that has the propensity to derail the national curriculum. Most among them is the uncertainty regarding teacher availability in general. Many teachers feel disrespected. We have all seen the vacancies in the newspapers as schools try to find staff to fill both temporary and clear vacancies. There was one school that had over 20 clear vacancies for bot