Sheldon Samuels with Wilmer Martinez
Original article by Wilmer Martinez
In a recent interview with Dr. Sheldon Samuels, National Coordinator for Adult and Continuing Education (ACE) at the Ministry of Education, he delved into the fascinating world of the Claver College Extension Night School. Dr. Samuels, who oversees the operations of eleven ACE schools across Belize, shed light on his perspective regarding CCE and its significance within the region.
“While I wasn’t able to witness everything Punta Gorda has to offer, I’ve been thoroughly enjoying the cultural night here at CCE. It has sparked a desire within me to spend more time at the Claver College Extension, further exploring the various educational activities and learning opportunities available. My intention is to engage with the teachers and administrators, enabling me to gain a deeper understanding of their endeavors”.
According to Dr. Samuels, Claver College Extension faces several challenges. One primary issue is the significant sacrifice made by students as they strive to balance their studies with family commitments and work responsibilities, which often leads them to attend classes virtually rather than in person. Recognizing this, Dr. Samuels encourages students to prioritize face-to-face attendance, as he believes it enhances the learning experience.
Acknowledging the hardships faced by students hailing from rural communities, Dr. Samuels said a bus run to and from villages is something that he will seek support for from the Ministry of Education. Additionally, the issue of financial difficulties among students was addressed. Dr. Samuels explained that the Ministry of Education is currently supporting CCE with a grant and subsidy for every student.
As a night school student myself, I find these developments encouraging and appreciate the efforts made by the Ministry of Education to foster acces- sible education for all.
