To focus is to fix our concentration undivided somehow or somewhere. The extent of the focus or priority that is oftentimes placed on education was clearly demonstrated during a radio programme 'Beyond The Headlines' recently (Wednesday, November 10). The host was having a discussion on some crucial issues in education with the president of the Jamaica Teachers' Association, Nadine Molloy, and the chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, former Finance Minister Dr Omar Davies.
The host lost her cool or focus and could not conceal her excitement when she disrupted the interview to give the 'breaking news' of international reggae star Buju Banton (Mark Myrie) being released on bail and to entertain an interview with his lawyer, David Marcus. This disruption or distraction to such an important discussion on education occurred less than 15 minutes before the scheduled newscast at 6 p.m.
I was listening to this discussion on the premises of a primary and junior high school which has a population of 600 pupils. On the school's noticeboard were the names and photographs of 25 top achievers. Only five were boys. Girls far outperforming boys, which is not unique to this school, is duplicated right across our schools and reflected in the enrolment at tertiary institutions. This high degree of disparity is of serious concern and is among the many challenges in our education system.
Studies by psychologists have demonstrated and, indeed, our daily experiences confirm that whatever we focus on dominates in our awareness or consciousness and expands and increases in importance and significance. Focus is essential in the understanding and mastery of any area of life. Education is no exception! As we strive to face, deal with and overcome our many challenges as a nation, let us focus and maintain a consistent and sustained focus on education.
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