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by pltm
(PLTM) - The need for BVI youths to connect more with African history will be addressed through the implementation of American Black History in the schools’ curriculum.
Hon. Julian Fraser, Chairman of Progressives United (PU) said that American Black History will be taught in schools under his government.
He said that the history of our origin has been lost and forgotten, “and for that reason the appetite for discovery no longer exists. Mindful of our geography and commonalities we share with the African diaspora, American Black History must be in our curriculum.”
The Third District Representative believes that the education system has failed to prepare residents for the 21st century.
“Case in point, people are still suffering from anxiety when talking about a relationship with the UK is mentioned. Had they been clear about what that relationship is, they would certainly know where it is going. Progressives United will make this a part of our curriculum, thus eliminating the influence the noise on the street has over the uninformed with such an important matter,” he stated.
Speaking more on the education sector, Mr. Fraser mentioned that the events of hurricane Irma has given them the perfect opportunity to pause.
“We do not believe that the junior high school and senior high school belong on the same campus and therefore the search for a site is immediate.”
Also, PU will commission a study to determine whether the Territory is best served with every neighborhood having a primary school.
“It can be argued that less schools result in more resources to go around, meaning better schools. As things stand, children are attending school far away from home, despite having one in their neighborhood.”
Hon. Fraser also mentioned that under PU, lunch programmes will be implemented in public high schools.
“One would hard press.,.a place on earth in these modern times with a per capita income of $30,000 and does not provide its school children with lunch. Since before the 60’s children in the USVI have been benefitting from their programme.”
“Progressives United will build a cafeteria and establish a lunch programme at each of our public high schools as a matter of priority,” he promised.
A lunch school programme was implemented at the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) under the former Virgin Islands Party (VIP) government.
