The Editor, Sir:

As a developing country, it is most unfortunate that at this time we are spending so much time and energy quibbling about money to be earmarked and spent on education. We cannot afford not to afford whatever the costs to educate the nation may be.

If a good analyst were to quantify what 'ignorance' is costing our country, it would be revealed that that sum would greatly exceed all the projected sums being earmarked for education. Whether we choose to publicly or privately acknowledge it, liberalised ignorance has been quite costly and has been the major catalyst for almost all our current woes. Every sector could write its own sordid story of the effects of unbridled ignorance which affects our daily lives.

It is, therefore, more than time enough for us to revolt against the widespread displays of ignorance which abound in almost every sphere of national life and which is having a profound impact on our advancement as a developing country.

The issue that I have with the projected budget for educational expenditure is not why it is necessary, but where the focus should be placed. If we are really committed to addressing and solving the problems which spin off from the inadequacies of what now exist, there should be a creation of a system which organises all the educational goals, as well as the anticipated educational expectations. From that system a cognitive and affective dimension of educational "wants and requirements" could be effectively formulated for usage and measurements.

Education is simply the soul of a society as it passes from one generation to the next. If we are not careful, we could pass on ignorance at our own peril.

I am, etc.,

SONIA CHRISTIE

Stewart Town

Trelawny

Via Go-Jamaica