Kudos to the Tobago Literacy Unit

THE EDITOR: Few people in Trinidad and Tobago will be able to match the names Zena Puddy, Sherla Gordon, and Ruthven Campbell with familiar faces. Yet these individuals and their organisation, The Tobago Literacy Unit, for sometime now have been providing yeomen service to the nation in general and Tobago in particular. I write to highlight these patriots to inform the nation that, besides the corrupt, evil, and selfish people who prevail in our society, there are individuals who are prepared to contribute tirelessly and inconspicuously to national development. The Tobago Literacy Unit is no fly-by-night organisation.  As an educator, I am convinced that few organisations — even our typical primary schools, adult education and other Ministry of Education units — can challenge the philosophy, expertise, and commitment with which its members attack issues of literacy in our society.

With all of the above in mind, and in an attempt to promote effective networking and strategic alliances, I advise the Division of Education, Tobago House of assembly and the Ministry of Education to start interacting with and learning from the modus operandi of these individuals and their organisation. Our failing students — in primary as well as in secondary schools — can benefit immensely from their expertise. Who knows? They may have some answers to the disturbing phenomena of indiscipline and violence in our schools.

RAYMOND S HACKETT
Curepe