Barbados’ ongoing struggle with childhood literacy sparked an exchange between education figures on Monday, as a prominent advocate called on parents to accept full responsibility for their children’s reading skills.
As she launched an annual reading clinic at the Barbados Community College, Dr Astra Babb, a long-time literacy specialist and founder of Babb’s Reading Clinic, made a passionate plea for parents to take full responsibility for their children’s ability to read. Citing the well-known saying “it takes a village to raise a child”, she argued that shifting social values and unreliable influences mean parents must now shoulder the primary duty of guiding their children’s development.
“Parents, you are 100 per cent responsible for your children,” she said. “Please do not foist your children onto others when it comes to their well-being. If your child reaches 10 years old and cannot read, it is your fault.”
She questioned at what stage parents realise their children are struggling with literacy, asking whether it only becomes apparent during key academic milestones such as the 11-Plus or CXC examinations.
“If your child goes to school from Infants A to Class 4 and is unable to read, it is your responsibility to go to the school and enquire what is the reason that your child is always present at school and is unable to read. There are many reasons why children do not learn to read… let the principal explain it to you and do not leave until you get a reasonable explanation,” Babb stressed.
Dr Babb urged parents to become more involved by reading with their children, attending PTA meetings, and demanding that qualified teachers be placed in the critical early years of schooling. She also encouraged advocacy for better educational resources, warning that the country’s ongoing literacy struggles are a reflection of systemic neglect.
Dr Astra Babb (SB)
“Clearly Barbadians are dissatisfied with the treatment that our boys are receiving,” she said.
But her remarks prompted a more nuanced response from Blackman, in his fourth month as education minister, who emphasised that while parental involvement is vital, the burden should not be placed solely on parents.
“I want to differ a bit from Dr Babb,” Blackman said. “I don’t want to place any blame on any one entity. Our society is made up of different opportunities but also of different challenges. Those challenges require all of us – as an ecosystem – to hold our part.”
The education minister stressed the importance of shared responsibility among parents, schools, the government, the private sector, and civil society. He acknowledged that many parents make significant efforts but may lack the resources, knowledge, or support needed to help their children succeed.
“Let’s face it, there are many parents who try their utmost but they don’t necessarily have within their personal means, the resources or the training sometimes or know-how to be able to [do better].
“That’s why government, as I said, working with the private sector and the parents and non-governmental organisations [and] charities, must continue to work hand in hand to ensure that we can make it right for our children,” he said. (SB)
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