Burgin: Literacy programme

Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports Clayton Burgin thinks that persons can learn a lot from crayons.

Burgin made the comment while speaking at a workshop last Monday, 3rd January, at the Arnos Vale One Playing Field held to brief persons on the national literacy programme and to solicit comments. {{more}}

“You can learn a lot about crayons, some are sharp, some are pretty, some are dull, some have weird names and all are different colours but all exist very nicely in the same box.”

He added, “In SVG we all have to exist together no matter what so let us exist nicely by being our brothers’ keeper.”

During his address, Burgin said the literacy programme is for Vincentians of all ages. He added that education is a critical pillar in human development as it provides citizens with basic as well as high level skills and essential training.

“Education has been credited with having the potential to build capacity and reduce poverty,” Burgin said while commenting, “Some have agreed that access to education opens up better employment and income earning opportunities.”

The junior minister added, “The merits of an education can never be overstated; it is education that enables citizens to make informed and intelligent choices.” He said that the literacy programme would enhance every individual’s development as well as that of the family, community and national development.

The workshop session also heard addresses from Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, literacy consultant Dr. Didacus Jules, Deputy Chief Education Officer Hugh Wyllie and Chief Education Officer Susan Dougan.