The 2023/2024 Academic Year officially begins on September 6, 2023, and like many, parents and students are doing final preparations.
DBS Radio’s Laila Langford and Sharma Lazare took to the streets of Roseau on Saturday, August 28, 2023, to chat with parents, students, and vendors about their business and last-minute preparations for school.
One father who was met by the team revealed that he spent just over one thousand, two hundred dollars ($1,200) buying textbooks for his third and fifth formers.
“It’s not easy, but we have to do it. We cannot go and get a child and not take care of the child,” he reasoned.
Another mother was grateful that her daughter received the majority of her textbooks through the school system and will be receiving government assistance.
“I remain some bits and pieces, so later down I’ll get it for her,” she told the team.
Some parents expressed that early preparations ensured their children were adequately prepared for the upcoming school year.
“I did my shopping very early, I did not wait for last minute,” said a mother who was met exiting Jays Bookstore after purchasing dictionaries.
“I like to get my things in advance…She got her book list in June, by the 6th and by the 7th she had all her books…she’s more than ready for school,” another shopper said, stressing on the importance of early preparation.
A father with children at primary, high school, and college levels said, “Preparations so far, it’s just a few things I’m missing…so far it’s all good for me.”
Another mother told the team, “I am doing last-minute shopping, I got all my books today…right now I’m going to Payless to see if I can get shoes.”
One father said he has seen an increase in prices. “Back to school now is very expensive,” he said.
Meanwhile, one seamstress lamented the fact that sales were slow this year, “Compared to other years, it’s terrible…school clothes not selling like other times…last week in August and see the state in Roseau, no people.”
A stationary vendor on the roadside said her sales “have been going good so far”, as last-minute buyers are coming to her for their children’s supplies.
So, with just a few days left before school officially begins, are you prepared?
