ESC dream our nightmare – first-time protester, 73
‘I THINK it was their dream and our nightmare.’ That was the view of Sadie Morgan, 73, who yesterday joined more than 100 other people to protest against plans to overhaul the States’ secondary education system.
Attending her first ever political protest, Mrs Morgan expressed concern that Education had not listened to the public, who she believed did not support the plans.
‘I don’t think I’ve met anyone who does support them. Education didn’t listen four years ago and they still aren’t listening,’ she added. ‘I feel like one of the animals in Animal Farm and we are being bludgeoned into something that no one supports.’
The protest, which called on the States to pause and review the two-school model, attracted a diverse crowd from students to pensioners gathering on the steps of the Royal Court in the freezing cold yesterday morning.
Elise Jee, 15, said she had seen at first-hand the toll the uncertainty of the education process was taking on students and teachers.
‘I’m worried about the mental wellbeing of my fellow students and teachers.
‘I’m a student at College but it’s still very important to me because my age group is affected.
‘I see modern school life every day, but I’m afraid that these politicians don’t understand our viewpoint because it’s been so long since they were at school.’
People Power Guernsey thanked those who braved the cold to voice their concerns, but added: ‘We were disappointed that Education committee members Richard Graham and Peter Roffey didn’t acknowledge the public.
‘For a department that says they’re often listening they didn’t all listen today.’
People Power Guernsey commended two other Education committee members, Deputies Rhian Tooley and Mark Dorey, for using the front entrance and facing the crowd.
Committee president Deputy Matt Fallaize said he had told them by email he would not be attending the morning’s sitting.
