My name is JP (I’m not too sure if we were supposed to use our correct names as we are on the internet). This is my third semester in the reading programme and I must admit that I’ve learned a lot. I have made several new friends and acquaintances. I have been richly blessed with the experiences and the knowledge that I have gained thus far. My lecturers have also been quite helpful and accommodating. I thought that returning to UWI would be a somewhat unpleasant experience for me but so far, although it has been hard work for all of us, thank the Lord above, it has been quite enriching.
I first heard about the Masters in Reading through my sister who encouraged me to apply for entry into the programme. I teach at a secondary school but not in the area of the language arts; however having worked in a primary school for a number of years and having done work in the area of teaching struggling readers, I decided to apply. Knowing that it was a scholarship which promises to broaden my prospects in the not too distant future made it all the more inviting (I hope).
I realise that presently, both regionally and in the wider world there is a marked problem in the area of reading and general underachievement (especially among boys). Amidst the recent rise in oil prices (more capital available) and general standard of living by which almost every child has access to a cell phone, the best pair of shoes, trendy clothes, trips abroad, free books, meals and so forth, many cannot function at instructional and independent levels where literacy is concerned. I thought it a good investment by the government to train and equip our teachers with the ability to move our nation forward in this area. I am glad that I was chosen as part of this initiative.
