Obviously this situation creates a serious problem at the level of CPE examination (Certificate of Primary Education –for entry to the Secondary cycle)

There has been automatic promotion from Standard 1 with the result that a large number of pupils arrive in Standard V1 more or less illiterate and therefore haven’t the least chance of promotion to Secondary . They are “rejects” and this more especially among the Creole Catholic population which often is made up of the poorest section of the population.

For some years now, certain charitable people have set up Development Centres to come to the rescue of these unfortunate children and to endeavor to give them basic instruction in the 3R’s among other useful subjects so that these youngsters too can find a place for themselves eventually in the world of work.

Action for Change:

So we come to the crucial point. Whereas their counterparts have a “right” to free transport to and from school, these children are not recognized as having the same right!!!... Moreover the cost of transport has increased over the year, and as their parents are mostly impoverished, the children quite often cannot avail of the formation offered in the Development Centres.

Representation has been made on more than one occasion to the powers that be but to no avail. Governments come governments go but all concerned turn a deaf ear to the basic right of these victims of a situation which is not of their making.

A last effort will be made at the end of this month: A Petition signed by parents and sympathizers will be sent  to the Minister of Education, mention will be made of the situation in the daily newspapers. We are hoping (almost against hope) that these effoerts will bear fruit and that Justice will be done.