Grace and Goodness Light the Way
Editor’s Note: Lay missioner Susan Sarkissian shares what Jamaican schools are like and where she notices goodness and light in the school where she serves.
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” Matthew 5:16
The Franciscan Sisters of Allegany (FSA) have been serving the poor and marginalized in multiple countries for over 160 years. Their ministries are many, but in Jamaica, the focus is education. This year, I’m dedicating time each week to serving the students and staff at one of their private elementary Catholic schools called Alvernia Preparatory. I could probably write many pages on the differences that I’ve noticed between US and Jamaican schools, but let me just share a few things that have given me a positive impression.
Hugs
Hugs, hugs, and more hugs. The children bombard you with hugs. We are eight weeks into the school year, and those hugs are still going strong.
Writing
Students do a tremendous amount of writing. As the teacher dictates a lesson, students listen and write every word in their subject notebook. The students are developing excellent listening and notetaking skills. Lesson notes, exercises and questions are written on the board and students are expected to copy it all out in their notebooks. Then they spend time answering the questions. There are no worksheets, and in general, penmanship and spelling are very good!
Technology
There is a computer lab, but in the classroom, the only tools are the pencil, paper, books, and whiteboard. There are no cell phones and no AI to give away the answers…Hallelujah!
One more…Collaboration
It was only the second week of school, and as a class of 5th grade students returned from lunch, I noticed that, without a word from their teacher, they gathered their task performance workbooks and formed small groups. I watched these collaborative groups take turns reading, and looking up information in their notebooks and workbooks. They helped each other understand the content, as well as construct meaningful responses to questions. It was truly beautiful to watch, and a sign that collaboration was a part of the culture of this school.
I am a retired educator, and I am not blind to shortcomings of this educational system. Just like in the
US, Jamaica is struggling with shortages in teachers, resources, and funding. There are also some cultural, social, and economic barriers that can impact student success or the value of education as a human right. But there is also a lot of good that is happening in the classroom, and I pray that this good will light the way for all students!
Let us pray for these students and those throughout the world, that the Holy Spirit will give them the desire to learn, wisdom to understand, and patience to persevere through challenges. Let them learn in safety and may they be provided the resources to reach their highest potential. Pray for teachers and school leaders to be gifted with creativity, patience and wisdom. Fill them with joy and the peace of Christ as they shepherd our precious children giving glory to our Father in Heaven. Amen.
Question for Reflection: Where do you experience goodness and positive outcomes in your daily life?
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