THE EDITOR, Sir:
I WRITE in response to the many persons attempting to present a solution to the rise in criminal activities within our schools. Many persons recommend the increase of safety resource officers, while the JTA suggests parent training. While the former seeks to deal with the symptoms, the latter aims at attacking the cause. As one can well imagine, there are several other approaches that may also produce positive results.
PALS has an ongoing programme with many schools, but I would like to recommend greater attention to conflict resolution and anger management. Until our children learn appropriate, socially acceptable ways of managing their emotions, there will be a continuous increase in the conditions being manifested in our schools. In order for change to result, each major sector needs to play its part.
HOME
The home (the primary agent of socialisation), the teachers, the ministry of education and the society must work together to cultivate and demonstrate their commitment to the process.
While parent training is crucial, the teachers must respect their students if they expect respect and the society must support the lessons being taught at home and within the schools. We must desist from blaming each other and stand firmly behind the processes we implement to produce change.
I am, etc.,
VIVIENE KERR-WILLIAMS
Unique_counselling@yahoo.com
Portmore, St. Catherine
Via Go-Jamaica
