The Editor, Sir:

When Wolmer's Old Boys and other alumni groups meet at the beginning of this academic year, I hope that they will be discussing the alarming reduction in the numbers of young men in universities in Jamaica.

In many parts of the world, this trend has been observed for some time, but the discussion has tended to suggest that men are not going to study because women have displaced them. This discussion must now take some new directions. What is to be done?

Sometimes, we are faced with monumental societal problems and seem to be unable to find solutions but some must be find. Perhaps, we need to found some new kinds of tertiary institutions which are specialising in the areas of interest. Have we done the necessary research as to the decisions made by young men about post-secondary education?

What role is played by the home, peers and community to engender the interest of students who have the ability to undertake further studies?

Many of our young men are being left behind as they are just not prepared for life in the 21st century. At every level, from the primary through the secondary and tertiary levels, young men are underperforming.

Too many of our young men have channelled their energy and aggression into senseless violence instead of into productive activities.

Time is of the essence as we are losing the hearts and minds of these young men. Sons, husbands and fathers-to-be are needed to help solve the problem. We need to develop a large group of young men who can facilitate the rescue of their peers and those who are coming after.

I am, etc.,

HILARY ROBERTSON

HICKLING

Lecturer in the Department of Management

Studies, UWI, Mona