by Elgin Taylor, Star Writer
Keisha Landell - Elgin Taylor photo
As a youngster, Keisha Landell's mother had problems getting her out of the kitchen.
She felt that she had to have 'a hand' in the cooking and not only that but she would put forward suggestions regarding the type of ingredients needed and how to put them together.
A native of Lluidas Vale in St. Catherine, she was a student at Dinthill Technical High school in the parish from 1989-1993. She told THE STAR that while there she continued to pursue her interest in home economics and she was assisted by a number of teachers including Janine McNeish. She did further studies at the University of Technology where she gained a diploma and a bachelor's degree in education specialising in the area of home economics.
After completing her diploma in 1996, she joined the staff at St. Mary's College in Above Rocks, St. Catherine. She has been teaching food and nutrition, home management and clothing and textile to students preparing for the annual CXC examinations. She is seen by her colleagues as a competent, no-nonsense, compassionate person who is concerned about the welfare of her students.
Nevertheless, she bemoaned the fact that over the years there has been a marked deterioration in the behaviour and attitude of students towards the teachers and towards their own education. She noted that this is a reflection of the level of disrespect and nonchalant attitude that is in the wider society.
Landell also said that home economics education has come a long way from the days when it was known as domestic science, when students were taught to do embroidery and a little baking, to the point where it has now been extended to encompass food and nutrition, clothing and textile and home, and hospitality management.
At present she also serves as acting head of department in the area of home economics. She pointed out that in spite of the challenges, she deems it a privilege to have been afforded the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of students.
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