THE EDITOR, Sir:I HAVE just read the letter by Caroline Jumpp-Graham regarding teaching in the UK (Tuesday 18th April 2006). In my response, I can only say, not much has changed in 50 years.
My mum came to Britain to teach back in the fifties. The British requirements needed to teach school in Britain proved that you might as well start your teachers' degree again in the UK; it would certainly be quicker. She made the decision to train as a nurse.
I sympathise with Caroline's long wait to receive Qualified Teachers Status (QTS) and would like to know if Jamaica has this system for teachers from Britain wanting to teach in Jamaica.
Jamaica is a wonderful island, and I would encourage teachers to place their knowledge in the children of Jamaica and make them shine and the Government to back them 100 per cent.
Education is the key to opening the door, especially for the b lack youths of today. I invest my time with my children to try and keep them motivated to learn with the hope they can become role models for future generations, if God grants them.
Britain does not offer anything on a plate; you have to struggle for it. I am British born, of Jamaican parents, grew up and live in the UK. As a parent myself, I have witnessed career/social progress in British society to be slow for black people on a whole. Why leave your country to benefit a foreign country which has put obstacles in your way, only to find dissatisfaction and be stuck in a system that will suck years of your life, leaving you achieving the bare minimum?
I am, etc.,
JUDITH WILLIAMS
London, England
Via Go-Jamaica
