Article 28th September 2008

Mass literacy programme makes significant progress through FTI

By Vanessa Narine

THE mass literacy programme being executed through a fast track initiative (FTI) has made significant progress since it began last January, those associated with it reported. They said the $115M undertaking by the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD) is in the process of meeting its objectives. The FTI aims to promote literacy in Guyana among students who are left behind at various levels of primary and secondary schools, out of school youths who are pursuing technical and vocational training and functionally illiterate adults.

Those directly involved include NCERD Director, Mr. Mohandat Goolsarran; National Coordinator of the FTI, Mr. Murray Greenidge; Head of the Curriculum Unit, Ms. Bibi Shariman Alli; National Curriculum Materials Adviser, Ms. Florence Sukhdeo and Ms. Pam O’Toole, Ms. Meg Caton and Ms. Mary Harding, developers of literacy learning support materials.

Greenidge said their efforts are being supported by various non-governmental organisations (NGOs), among them Day Spring Guidance Centre, Ruimveldt Children's Aid Centre and Mothers' Union. The ultimate goal is to reach approximately 14,700 individuals, inclusive of adults and children and the NCERD approach to it involves personnel from its office, 300 educators, Ministry of Education and approximately 80 volunteers. He said, for the purpose, they are using school buildings, church halls, community centres and other available places.
Greenidge explained that, of the 300 targeted educators to be trained, a total of 245 boast newly acquired teaching skills.

However, since they are not qualified teachers, the manuals afford them a fair guide to presenting the materials to their assigned classes. A class of 15 is appropriated to each educator, whose task is to improve the literacy skills of each student whilst engaging the latter in a different atmosphere than that of a regular classroom, to make learning more enjoyable. The classes are of one hour duration five days a week after regular school hours and the diverse teaching strategies are structured to begin with a game and followed by reading activities, that include grammar, phonics and ending with storytelling. Unfortunately, even with all the variations to the new strategies, classes for adults require extra efforts due to various constraints, such as the adult mindset about going back into a classroom, Greenidge stated.
Consequently, community centres, church halls and even the bottom houses of people's homes are utilised, he said.

Greenidge, who is responsible for the development of learning materials for adults, said they are more comfortable outside the classroom and retain more in a comfort zone. He added that adult illiteracy is a sensitive issue and there is a greater possibility that adults will respond positively if the resources were made available to them in a way that would make them comfortable and interested at the same time. Greenidge said adult classes accommodate them for two hours at weekends. He said one Regional Coordinator worthy of mention is Mr. Narain Ranjit, who has performed beyond the call of duty in Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice). Ranjit has recorded 96 per cent attendance in the outreach there, an indication of success in that region. Greenidge said, from the way people have responded to the FTI and reports received, NCERD is contemplating extending it for another year to enhance the literacy level locally.

In the coming week, it will be taken to Mahdia in Region Eight (Potaro/Siparuni), to observe the training of more educators and ensuring that every region has trained educators by the first week of August. Greenidge said the end results should guarantee an increase in the literacy level among Guyanese as the FTI would have laid the groundwork for sustained intervention at the community stage and the general attitude towards education would rank high amongst the priorities for personal development.

Alli disclosed that an interactive series has been developed for children still at school to introduce them to a new method of teaching to enlarge their appetite for learning. This new technique is a combination of phonics, a look and say procedure, the ‘Wings on Words’ scheme and others that facilitate them learning at their own pace, she said. According to her, it entails the use of support materials developed at NCERD, such as manuals for teachers, a student work book and reading books, all key inputs available at the different grades of primary and secondary schools.
Goolsarran said the delivery has been well received in the education system and by all members of the public in different segments of society. It is completely embraced by all concerned and is open to individuals throughout this country. He said it ensures the evaluation of participants before and after entrance, so as to ascertain their level of development. Persons from all walks of life who are interested are welcome and, dependent on a sound secondary level education; individuals can possibly qualify as educators.

Goolsarran said the influence they can have in their area of placement, usually close to their place of abode, is to their advantage because a better response is expected if the educator or volunteer is someone known to the participants. Educators and volunteers are spread across the various regions on a proportionate basis to make sure an effective reach countrywide, he said.
Goolsarran said those who teach are required to submit monthly reports to a Regional Coordinator who, in turn, reports to the National Coordinator and the chain of communication ends the Minister of Education, Mr. Shaik Baksh. The reporting is ongoing and educators are working vigorously to assist in achieving the objectives.