Elementary School, Jamaican Style

 

I am a Jamaican teacher, skeptical, gifted and proud. When I arrived in the Madison for the first time it was a culture shock, especially in my kids elementary schools. The differences were palpable, like summer and winter.  In Jamaica, all school age students wear uniforms. The government (the Ministry of Education) owns all the primary schools. These schools comprise grades 1 to 6. There are no free public school buses. Students take taxis that are usually packed like cans of sardines, or buses that are usually over flowing with students. Private buses are available, but only for those who can afford them.

In Jamaican primary schools, the day begins promptly at 8:30 am. A bell rings to announce the beginning and end of the school day, the morning break, and the lunch period. The first period of school begins with devotion or morning worship, rain or shine. This happens in all schools, public or privately owned. When the bell rings for devotion, it’s like a swarm of happy bees let loose from their hive – students all rush in different directions to find their classes and to get the coveted first place in line. Devotion is held in the school quadrangle, which is usually outdoors. I remember mornings when students would collapse from the grinding heat of that unforgiving tropical sun. Personally I just faked it to get out of devotion. Those schools fortunate enough to have a huge auditorium, which is very rare, assemble there. When it rains, students stay in class and devotion is broadcast via a loudspeaker.

In one of the schools where I taught, Halfway Tree Primary, we tried to restore some modicum of order to the madness by using first bell and second bells. At first bell everybody freezes, thinks about where he or she wants to go, then turns in that direction and prepares to start moving. When second bell rings, students walk quietly to their classes, get in line, and then walk together back to the quadrangle to take their places.

Jamaicans are predominantly Christian (especially on Sundays) with a few variations. Those few who are of different religions are exempt from devotion but they are expected to sit quietly and read a book during that period. Each class is expected to lead devotion at least twice per year. The class practices bible passages, praise dances and elaborate skits for weeks in advance, each class trying to outdo the rest in their 15-20 minutes of fame.

The national anthem is sung after devotion every morning. Every child has to stand at attention, like a sentinel on guard, and sing in their best voice. Teachers listen keenly to ensure that you know all of the words. God forbid you should move, talk or laugh during prayers or during the national anthem – that’s a free ticket to detention hall. Did I say free? Some might consider that ticket a costly one.

From Vaughn McCubbin's Jamaica Photo Project

Meals are very important in Jamaican schools, where costs are subsidized by PTA (Parent Teacher Association) groups and school fundraising events. Breakfast is provided every morning, at an affordable cost, for those who do not have the time to eat before school or who have very little food at home. The meal is usually well prepared and delicious, suitable for both teachers and students. Pre-packaged foods are almost never available. For lunch, the children are encouraged to bring food to school, but lunch is provided for those who do not (or who cannot). One thing is certain: the food is healthy and freshly prepared. Even the snacks are healthy: students can buy fresh fruits like bananas, oranges, jackfruit, naseberry, plums, coconut, guineps, sugar cane and sweetsops from vendors just outside the school gates. Imported snacks are highly discouraged, but efforts to stop this injustice usually prove futile. The vendors are usually people who have no other source of income.