Another day of empty classrooms

When we last checked in with members of the Belize National Teachers Union they were being dragged from the area in front of the National Assembly building following various acts of civil disobedience. Today, although no longer in Belmopan, they remained off the job. News 5’s Jacqueline Woods has the story.

Jacqueline Woods, Reporting
Despite the Minister of Education Francis Fonseca?s appeal for schools to be open on Monday and for teachers to report back to classes following the two day shut down on Thursday and Friday, most institutions in Belize City remain closed. While the Belize National Teachers Union made its decision known over the weekend, some high school and primary school students still reported to classes, only to be told that there would be no school. A minority of teachers came to school but did not stay. While our cameras were denied access to Edward P. Yorke High School we did observe some students in a classroom however by mid afternoon they were given the option to leave most did.

Natasha James, Student, E.P. Yorke High School
?The students that came they put two classes together and they let the teachers who came teach the class today and that is what they did.?

Jacqueline Woods
?How many teachers came today??

Natasha James
?I am not sure; maybe about half.?

At Nazarene high school a total of fifty-one students out of an enrolment of three hundred and sixty-four students reported to school. At Pallotti High School the students were told to go home except those young women serving detention.

Camille Ottley, Student,Pallotti
?Well I showed up for school this morning because I thought they were going to have regular classes and I had to get my work done because CXC is coming up.?

Jacqueline Woods
?What were you students told when you arrived at school??

Camille Ottley
?It was about half an hour later when Sister Benedict told us that we weren?t going to have any classes and we were dismissed. I do not know, I think it?s because of the strike and the situation between the Government.?

?Well its affecting all fourth formers because examinations are coming up in February and we have to get all our work covered before that time so that we can be prepared when we take the examination and graduation may even get pushed back and we have to make up for all the classes that we have missed.?

One school principal who did not wish to appear on camera says he supports the strike however if the action continues for the rest of the week they will meet on Thursday to make plans to help their fourth form students prepare for the CXC exam.

Despite the inconvenience, some students say they support the teachers? decision to stay out of the classroom but wish the matter will be settled as soon as possible.

Torrianne Smith, Student, Pallotti High School
?I really came on the understanding that we would come and learn today and just go in the classrooms and have the teachers teach us something new. But it didn?t work out that way.?

Jacqueline Woods
?How concerned are you if this strike continues?

Torrianne Smith
?Well I really am concerned because this, the Government need to sit down and work this thing. They don?t need the citizens to be suffering this way for the stuff that they are doing. I mean it?s really hard. They just need to sit down–the two parties just need to sit down and work out their problems.?

Camille Ottley
?Yes, I do support the teachers who are on strike because I think that what they are doing is something good for the country and they are the ones who are teaching us and I think that it?s about time Belizean citizens stand up for what they believe in.?

But it looks as there will be no classes soon as it has been confirmed that the strike will continue on Tuesday. The only advice we have for students is to use this time wisely by continuing to study and read. Yes, that means lay off the TV and video games. Jacqueline Woods for News 5.

According to a spokesman for the Ministry of Education, a “significant amount” of students and teachers reported for classes at government and government aided schools. We could not independently verify that assessment.