St Cruz meet demands grants for English medium

St Cruz meet demands grants for English medium

HERALD CORRESPONDENT
St Cruz meet demands grants for English medium
HERALD CORRESPONDENT
MERCES, APRIL 5
Stating that the Church’s decision to introduce Konkani as medium of instruction was taken so that Diocesan schools could avail of government grants, Fr Cristovao Caldeira said realization has now dawned that the decision was wrong, especially in today’s context.
“The decision was taken so that the students should not have to face the burden of paying hefty fees,” he added.
Fr Caldeira was speaking at a public meeting of PTAs of Merces HS and Santa Cruz HS to demand English as the medium of instruction in schools, which was held under the banner of Forum for Rights of Children’s Education (FORCE) at Santa Cruz.
Speaking further, Fr Caldeira said at the Diocesan Synod, several representatives had urged the Church to revaluate its policy on Konkani as medium of instruction since it was affecting the future of the children.
“Hence, the Church has decided to support the demands of the parents to have English as medium of instruction,” he informed while at the same time stating that the Church is not in favour of imposing any particular language on the students.
Fr Caldeira also stated that he has already held dialogue with Urban Development Minister Joaquim Alemao and local MLA Victoria Fernandes and has impressed upon them to urge the government to support English as medium of instruction. He later urged the parents to come out in large numbers at such meetings, since it is their fight for their children’s rights.
Speaking on the occasion, FORCE member Dinar Barros said that till today, over 2 lakh students have become victims of the government’s decision to impose Konkani at primary level and said that they will not allow more students to become victims.
“By imposing the mother tongue, the government is not promoting that language but only increasing hatred in the minds of the children towards the language,” he added.
“Because of the government policy, Goans are finding it difficult to compete at the national level exams and also lagging behind in getting placements in better companies,” Barros informed and added that only English language can secure a bright future for the children.
He further said if the government is really serious in safeguarding the interests and prospects of the Konkani language, then it should impose Konkani as medium of instruction in all the private English schools as well.
“Why should poor students be made to suffer when their rich counterparts are benefiting from the English language,” he further questioned and urged the parents not to admit their wards for the next academic year until and unless their demands are met.
Targetting the politicians, Hugo Gomes said that they are dividing the people on religious lines for their own benefits, when they themselves are sending their children in English medium schools.
Parents Hanif Shah Muzawar, Shailesh Pai, Agnela Fernandes and others spoke on the occasion. FORCE members Edgar Cotta, Anthony D’Souza and Cynthia Pereira were present at the meeting, which was attended by a large number of parents from Santa Cruz and Merces.