The British affiliated Caribbean areas (certain islands and the mainland areas of British Guiana and British Honduras) are the most numerous and the most widely spread of the European connected territories. The Netherlands affiliated territories are the two political units of Surinam (Dutch Guiana), and the Netherlands Antilles (consisting of various islands, including Curaçao and Aruba). The French affiliated territories consist of three separate political units (French Guiana, and the islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe). All the territories have experienced, since World War II, a modification or termination of colonial status. Whatever form or direction the movement for greater political self-expression has taken in these territories, it may be regarded as symbolizing their development and aspirations, not only in political but in economic and social matters as well. Despite differences in the languages, cultures, and political orientation of these Caribbean areas, there are basic similarities in social, economic, political, and psychological patterns and characteristics, which in turn make for similarity in educational problems and trends. An elementary school education of approximately 8 years has been about the maximum most children have been able to attain, and far from all children have attained this much. Education is now recognized as a vital force in these territories. Since World War II, many of them have instituted 5- or 10-Year Plans for economic and social development, which include education. programs. Historically, vocational education, including agricultural education, has held a minor role in the educational systems and programs in the European Caribbean. During recent years interest and activities in this field have increased markedly. The Caribbean Commission, founded in 1946, has carried out. regional programs of consultation and served as a center of information and material on the Caribbean in various subject fields, including education. ♦ The modern period of education in the British Caribbean may be said to have begun about 1940. In the past 20 years there has been progress at all levels of schooling, most spectacularly evidenced in the field of higher education, through the birth and development of the University College of the West Indies. Both the Netherlands Antilles and Surinam have the problem of widely used languages other than the official tongues employed as the media of instruction. Both have the objective of affording the opportunity of 6 years of elementary education for all. And both have the problem of a shortage of teachers and of facilities for training teachers. Some higher education facilities exist in Surinam. ♦ Education in the three French affiliated territories follows the same methods and principles as in France. Public education is free at all levels, and school attendance is legally compulsory between the ages of 6 and 14 years. Martinique has a law school affiliated with the University of Bordeaux. |