Jenni Campbell, managing editor at The Gleaner Company, consoles a student at yesterday's Gleaner Editors' Forum at the company's North Street, central Kingston offices. The youngster was brought to tears during his recollection of his grandfather's killing earlier this year. - Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer

Hurt, fear and deep resentment filled the room as children attending yesterday's Gleaner Editors' Forum described the dread of living among gunmen, braving gunshots to get to school almost daily, and watching their relatives and neighbours die violently.

In an emotionally riveting two hours, 10 children between eight and 12 years old from inner-city schools, told Gleaner editors and reporters that they want to become doctors, journalists, lawyers, and one even aspires to be a meteorologist. But they are fearful.

The primary school participants, most of whom are preparing for the Grade Six Achievement Test next March, said as a result of violence they are often afraid to attend school, sleep and even play.

Twelve-year-old Devon burst into tears when he told that his grandfather was murdered last June. His grandfather was killed while on his way to work. Devon was unable to finish the story.

Working hard

"I am currently in grade six but I am working hard to go to a school of my choice," Devon said.

Dominique, whose hobbies are studying and watching television, said that at home she is scared.

With a deep breath, the 11-year-old said: "At times the (gun) men come in my home from the front and the back, hiding from the police."

Brittany, a bright-eyed and eloquent child, is trying not to allow the murder of several people in her community to derail her dreams.

"In my vocabulary there is no word as can't. I choose to rise to the occasion and do what I want to do in life," Brittany said.

The 11-year-old girl, who wants to pursue a career in the field of medicine or law, added: "I am afraid but you can't let things get you down. You have to know what you want in life, and if you know what you want to do in life you can do it."

Tashana, who wants to attend Campion College or Wolmer's High School for Girls said that the recent general election-related violence still lingers in her hometown.

"Sometimes I am scared to go to school," Tashana said.

With teary eyes she continued: "But because I am now actually in grade six I don't really want to miss anything 'cause I am afraid that if I don't go to school one day like in that one day something will be taught that will come on GSAT so I try not to miss any school days".

Amoy, a future paediatrician, is also fearful and wants parents to stay home at nights.

Some nights, gunmen run through her yard knocking on doors.

"Most of the parents like they leave the children and go out at night times, most of the time, and the children are home alone and they are very afraid," Amoy said.

Teachers who shared in the Editors' Forum said that many of the children from these war-torn communities are scarred both mentally and emotionally.

Michael Brown, principal of Jessie Ripoll Primary School, said that sometimes children suffer from hunger when communities experience a violent flare-up.

"We saw where many of them came to school hungry because of the type of homes and the economics of the homes. They do not buy grocery weekly or monthly and so when there's gunfire they cannot reach the source of food and many of the children remain hungry," Mr. Brown said.

The principal noted that many times the children arrive at school tired because they have to walk a longer route to get to school because of the ongoing violence.

Matthew Sinclair, of Allman Town Primary School, said a student, along with his mother and brother were recently killed in a reprisal shooting.

The stories kept coming. Dave Reid of St. Aloysius Primary School said in recent times, about 20 children are usually seen wearing memorabilia buttons of murdered relatives.

"Quite surprising a number of children in the classroom witness murder," Mr. Reid said.

Incidentally, as a result of the violence affecting these children, many portray aggressive behaviours at school, the teachers said.

Despite these obstacles, many of these children are determined to learn.

"I see them as students who are very brave, courageous in their effort to learn," Mr. Sinclair said.

shelly-ann.thompson@gleanerjm.com

What the children need

Their requests at The Gleaner Editors' Forum:

More positive role models, especially for the young men in their communities.

A stronger and more maintained presence of their fathers in their everyday lives.

A trusting relationship with parents where all issues can be discussed and held in confidence, if requested.

The end of gang wars in their communities and, by extension, an end to crime and violence in Jamaica.

Children from primary schools across Kingston's inner-city communities, who participated in the Gleaner Editors' Forum yesterday, point to a map of Jamaica. The forum was held under the theme 'Hopes and Aspirations for the future'.