6year old Fatini Lazri pictured at the opning of the New Educate Together School in Lucan Co. Dublin , Ireland, September 2. The School was opened by Minister for Education and Science Batt O’Keefe. Photo: Aidan Crawley/The Irish Times
She doesn’t look very impressed by the facilities, does she?
Comment by Brian GPaul - I think so. And a strict one at that!
Brian - the girl in the meddle definitely looks like she’d rather be at home!
Comment by BryanThis photo symbolizes Batt O’Keefe’s reign.
His outlook towards education is frankly backward. One of Ireland’s strengths is in the fact that a comparatively large portion of the population receive a tertiary education. In recession, that is one characteristic of this country that is in our control and can be maintained. Now he wants to get strict on who receives a subsidized university education. I would consider increased efforts to obtain alumni funds ideal - rather target the fruits of the past than the seeds of the future. It works for Princeton, Harvard and since the Irish are defensive of their culture and identity surely there would be support.
Then all this nonsense about separate schools for non-English students. In my opinion, the best way for those students to learn English is to be thrown into a sink or swim situation in an English-speaking environment. When they are young (12 years or less), they will all come out swimming. If it is socially unpleasant for them, it will be a motivating factor but a better answer would be extra lessons rather than complete removal from that environment.
I will be happy to see him complete his time in office and move on to a more commerce/capitalist orientated role for which he is clearly more suited.
Comment by AnonyMouseDid he suggest separate schools for non-English speakers? How did I miss that?
Comment by BryanWell it was Brian Hayes (Fine Gael spokesman on education) who suggested that the children of immigrants are segregated from the rest of their classmates until they can speak English properly.
I see them as two peas in the same pod.
Comment by AnonyMouse
Citroen's new Tourer steals the limelight for estate cars
11:40 am
haha! those folded arms and stoney expression remind me of many a teacher looking down the exam hall at the end of every term. Maybe a future School Principal in the making?
Comment by paul m