Resident tutor of the Institute of Distance and Continuing Education (IDCE) in New Amsterdam, Ms Janice John, stated that there were numerous challenges that came in the way of the centre achieving some of its projections during the past year. Space, flooding and power- outage were some of the problems IDCE has been experiencing in Berbice. The remarks were made during the institute’s 31ST Graduation exercise which was held last Sunday in New Amsterdam.
“Presently, we are forced to occupy another building so that we can accommodate our student population but this building is in close proximity to domestic dwellings so our students are forced top endure loud noise most of the time making the environment not very conducive for effective learning”, she noted. She also referred to the crouched up environment in which classes have to be held at the centre. The current IDCE location is stationed at Strand, just at the corner of Alexander Street.
Another problem was flooding which often results in classes being conducted prematurely or in some instances postponed. Then there were numerous power outages that led to the “premature conclusion of classes many days”.
She did, however, mention numerous achievements at the centre, notwithstanding those constraints. These were skills training, in which a Peace Corps Volunteer attached to the centre ran a 3- week Life Skill Programme for 35 youths between the ages of 13 and 16 years. A community outreach was also carried out by the Social Work I and II students. They established a library and research centre that will benefit the community.
The Business Management Students also secured another computer for the centre adding to those already provided. A Book Club for youths attending secondary school was also launched. The club meets once per week.
Ms John noted the projections for IDCE New Amsterdam in 2012 which includes “a more pro- active institution that I see us as not only facilitators of learning but gateway through which young adults can pursue learning”. “This, I envisage that in 2012 a computer lab will be installed which will give students additional scope for improved learning visa the Distance Mode—Skype, Online Lecturers”, she posited. This is already happening at the IDCE in Georgetown, she noted.
She also hopes that the centre will introduce new programmes including more technical programmes “to meet the need of persons who are not totally academically inclined—computer repairs”. She underscored the need for more books for the center’s library.
The centre offers a wide array of courses including Industrial Relations and Management, Social Work I and II, Pre- University Math and English, Food & Nutrition, Care for the elderly, CSEC Math and English and Supervisory Management. Approximately 251 students were registered for the academic year 2010- 2011, of which 231 commenced classes. One hundred and fifty- eight students successfully graduated on Sunday (21 males and 137 females). Careful analysis of the numbers revealed a paucity of number of male registrants, John noted. The Valedictorian for the graduation was Naseem Latiff who graduated in Industrial Relations & Management. Other top students were Onica Johnson, Shaleeza Bacchus, Deylon Faria, Lottia Williamson, Shenella Benjamin and Felisia Sinclair. The Charge to the Graduands was delivered by Ms Paulette Henry, Social Worker while the Guest Speaker was Ms Glenis James. Director of IDCE, Mr Francis Glasgow delivered his report as well.
Ms John also lamented student difficulties including many students who continue to suffer “long delays in getting to class on time when the Berbice Bridge is opened not as per schedule” which resulted “in many late arrivals at classes”. The Resident Tutor also bemoaned the fact of “unavailability of jobs” which “led to many persons seeking employment out of the region withdrawing from courses”.