With the exception of probably Independence Village and other isolated pockets, students across Belize have been out of class for an unprecedented 10 school days now. And with PSE exams scheduled for next month, as we reported earlier this week, the Ministry of Education is opening approved education centers to cater to students who have upcoming exams. We visited one of the centers today.
Keith Swift Reporting
A handful of students returned to the classroom today at Gwen Lizarraga High. Gwen Liz is an education center opened by the Ministry of Education and these primary school students are here taking advantage of PSE prep classes.
Wilfred Neal, Gwen Liz English Teacher
"We have some students who are preparing for the PSE and we are giving them old PSE exams, especially English preparation. These are primary school students from different primary schools in Belize City, they are here for practice."
Keith Swift,
And they are here voluntarily?
Wilfred Neal,
"Its voluntary and we teachers are helping them voluntarily too."
English teacher Wilfred Neal who stresses that he is in solidarity with other teachers, is volunteering his time to help these standard six because, as he puts it, preparation is key to success in the PSE.
Wilfred Neal,
"Anything with practice, any educational thing that you do with practice, the more practice the better you do. As much practice as these students can get, the better for them."
The centers are also open at Edward p. Yorke High and St. Michael's College.
