Open letter to the Ministry of Education

By Concerned Parents of Dominica Grammar School Students

Hon. Octavia Alfred Minister of Education Ministry of Education, HR Planning, Vocational Training & National Excellence Government Headquarters Roseau, Dominica Dear Minister Alfred, We, the concerned parents of students attending the Dominica Grammar School, write to express our deep dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs concerning our children’s education. As a community, we are increasingly frustrated by the ongoing disruptions to our children’s learning and the apparent neglect of the conditions at the school. Let us begin by recalling the situation that unfolded in June 2024, when our children and their teachers were rushed to complete exams ahead of the summer break, all to accommodate construction work at the school. Report cards were distributed, and we, the parents, were informed that online schooling might be necessary when school reopened in September.

However, when our children returned to school on September 16, they were met with a chaotic environment. Classes were held face-to-face, but the school conditions were far from suitable for effective learning. The situation only worsened when, on October 28, our children were told to begin online classes. They were then promised a return to in-person learning on November 11, only to be dismissed at 11:00 AM that same day and told they would continue with online classes for the rest of the week. This constant disruption is completely unacceptable. It is the responsibility of the government and the Ministry of Education to ensure that proper facilities are in place to support the education of our children.

We find it hard to believe that the Ministry was unaware of the state of the school before the September reopening. This continued neglect is a reflection of poor leadership and inadequate planning, and it directly impacts the quality of education our children receive. We demand that immediate action be taken to rectify this situation. Our children and their teachers deserve far better than what they have been subjected to.

The current conditions are not just inconvenient; they are harmful. Many students are struggling due to a lack of proper devices and internet access, and we fear that some children are falling behind as a result. These disruptions are damaging not only to their academic performance but also to their mental and emotional well-being. It is alarming that, in 2024, in the absence of any disaster or pandemic, our children are sitting at home, unable to attend school in a proper, conducive learning environment. We understand that online learning is necessary in some cases, but it should never be a long-term solution, especially when the infrastructure to support it is inadequate.

Furthermore, the health and safety of our students and staff should be a top priority. We are aware that both students and teachers have been experiencing health issues related to the current condition of the school building. This is a situation that cannot be allowed to continue. To the principal, Ms. Dalton, we urge you to prioritize the well-being of your students and staff. The handling of this matter has been far from satisfactory, and we expect a clear and actionable plan to address the issues at hand.

As parents, we are fully committed to supporting the school, but we need leadership that is proactive, not reactive. We suggest that you convene the PTA and work together to find a solution, as the current silence on this matter is deafening. Finally, we wish to make it clear that we will not accept further delays. If the school remains online until January 2025, we expect the school’s infrastructure to be fully upgraded and prepared for a safe and productive in-person return at the start of the new term.

The Ministry of Education must ensure that our children are provided with a proper learning environment, and we demand that this be addressed immediately. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. A meeting with the parents of the Dominica Grammar School should be convened as soon as possible. We look forward to seeing swift and meaningful action taken to resolve the ongoing issues at the Dominica Grammar School.

Sincerely, Concerned Parents of Dominica Grammar School Students

VNG does not express any of the views expressed in this letter, and will NOT be held liable for any of the statements made herein.