Dear Editor,
A student is a learner, a learner who is assiduous. Teachers are persons who help others acquire knowledge, competence and good proficiency.
Teachers play an important part in a child’s life; but when teachers display disdain to students’ concerns, students are moved to seek professional help from the public and higher authorities in the system.
This has been an ongoing issue at Tagore Memorial Secondary School, located at No 63 Village, Corentyne, in Region 6 of Guyana. Students are being victimised over an incident which occurred in the previous year. You may ask, “Do teachers victimise students?” and unfortunately the answer is yes. In this modern era, students are being victimized, and no action is taken against this issue at Tagore. In the Science Department of the above named school, students have had their SBA books marked with prejudice and bias. Students have done what was requested by their teachers, but yet, to ensure that students gain undeserved marks, the marking schemes have been fabricated and modified with equal and unbiased indifference.
Why? It was done in order to ensure that students produce bad grades; and there is need to spread a rumour that a certain teacher is the best and only person on earth who is capable of teaching tough subjects.
You may ask, “Why have you not lodged a complaint with the Head Teacher?” Students have a stance, but are not allowed to voice their opinions; but rather, are forced to be submissive. Teachers also have stances. Head teachers should therefore have reconciliation with compromise. Students have consequently tried to articulate on this issue, but no action has yet been taken. When students go to the head teacher’s office to query the matter, they are chased out of the office and given deceitful hopes. How would students be able to identify with this organisation?
Several teachers have expressed concern about this unethical practice against students, and even they are being discriminated against when they exercise freedom of speech.
Students aspire to be doctors, humanitarians; and what not? A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. And that single step is to gain good grades in order to be what they aspire to be. Imagine these students ending world hunger and even saving millions of lives in various ways. Consequently, these desires have been suppressed by the HoD of Science, and the teachers among others. Even some who desire to be called ‘the greatest’, ‘the most intelligent’ and God knows what!
Moderators were the only hope for these unfortunate students, who have been robbed of their aspirations. Moderators are supposed to be equitable. They are given that status to ensure that every student gets what he or she fully deserves, but not of recent. Students are told they are not allowed to speak to moderators, to express their concerns and open up on the causes of the situation. Why were students from the previous batches allowed to? It has only been unfortunate to this batch. Moderators use marking schemes students have never seen.
To whom should the students turn? This situation would impact the future of several students. We request that the Ministry of Education and capable persons of the general public should intervene in this crucial issue ASAP.
One last note: it was a well-planned mission which is almost completed.
Sincerely,
Names withheld
