Please flip that script

Just like digging a grave, whereby it starts from the top, it is the same approach that the powers that be approach Physical Education in the nation’s schools.

This, as the relevant authorities, the Ministry of Education, continue to drag their feet on the need to have Physical Education done at the primary schools and even at the pre-school level.

Clearly, the prolonged inactions of those policy makers have things upside down here in this country with respect to the introduction of Physical Education.

We are saved by a few sporting entities here in St Vincent and the Grenadines, namely track and field clubs, that children at the pre- school and primary school levels, are exposed to semblances Physical Education.

Thankfully too, an increasing number of pre-schools have instituted forms of proper physical engagements for their students, albeit at an added cost to parents and guardians. This undertaking by the owners and operators of the pre-schools is in itself laudable, granted there are no set policies and documented guidelines from the higher ups.

Furthermore, it is nothing short of shameful, that within the primary school system in 2024, most institutions still have “ Games” rather than Physical Education.

Ironically, the Ministry of Education et al., and reinforced by many Head Masters and Head Mistresses over the years, have been insisting that Physical Education be placed on the lie table! oops, time table.

Truth be told, only a handful of Primary Schools have Physical Education at that level that can be deemed acceptable.

One also has to be cognizant that the socialization practices have evolved. Children are no longer developing eye-hand co-ordination through ring games and other practices that engenders natural progressions of the fine skills.

Likewise, neither are children’s motor and agility skills acquired naturally through play and adventures, as there is movement away from the once embedded cultural engagements such as climbing trees, playing dodge and skipping.

But as we bemoan the current state, it is the same Ministry of Education officials and technocrats who sermonize that children learn best and fastest during the first five years of life.

They agree that these children are more pliable and they have fun doing the fundamentals whilst learning.

Regrettably, these truisms are narratives without application Instead children’s growth in key concepts of Physical Education, likewise Physical Literacy are delayed until they hit

Secondary School at age 11 or 12.

An already bad situation is compounded as children entering Secondary Schools are light years behind in some of their physical attributes, understanding, mental preparation, embarking on Physical Education as subject.

Beyond that Physical Education is part of degree programmes at the tertiary level. However, despite its rising importance as a tested subject regionally, it remains an insignificant area of focus at the foundation levels- our schools.

To show the extent of the lack of direction and that real sense of a chartered pathway, the St Vincent and the Grenadines Community College, each year, churns out students with some theoretical and practical know-how.

Admittedly, whilst some may not be the finished products, their services and expertise can be utilised within the Primary Schools.

This can be done as a pilot phase firstly, before launching into a full -fledged commitment as the programme gets revised, tweaked and fully implemented.

As a consequence of this institutionalized failure, St Vincent and the Grenadines’ young sportsmen and sports women have to play catch up when they match up against those in the region, who certainly, because of early introduction, have a head start.

We then in amazement, admire other countries in the region, laud their sports programme and stand by and applaud rather than adopt “ best practice” or better put, “ follow fashion”.

All things being equal, there is no hurt in getting a push start from those who have had success stories and apply accordingly within the context of the Vincentian landscape.

It is no gainsaying that, with Physical Education entrenched throughout the school system, students will be better prepared to receive instruction in the various sporting disciplines, as the foundation would have been laid and reinforced for the “go” command.

Naturally, would come almost seamless transitioning, improved performances, structured approaches to coaching and learning, a sense of accomplishment and ultimately better results all-round.