The Gleaner's front-page story yesterday of children living in fear as a result of violence, drew several responses, many from abroad.

Here are some of the letters responding to our staff reporter's email: at shelly-ann.thompson@gleaner.com

After reading this article, I was moved to tears myself. It made me realise just how grateful any of us should be. I reside in the United Kingdom and we do have our fair share of problems with gangs, but nothing as deep as what these children are experiencing.

I would be interested to know if there are any special funds set up to help these children. My thoughts and prayers are with each and every one of them.

- Norma Miller

loversrock@btinternet.com

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How are you? I read your article in The Gleaner of November 8. I was tearful reading it. However, I thought about starting a breakfast and book club for these children. I would be able to contribute books and some food items. Let me know how feasible this idea is. Keep up the good work of reporting.

- Sharon Haylett

Cleveland, U.S.A.

jadelaw@sbcglobal.net

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I was so very moved by this article that I had to respond to it. I am a United States citizen residing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

I had the pleasure of visiting Jamaica (Montego Bay) in June 2007. I immediately fell in love with your country. So much so, that I hope to return for Christmas this year, and again in June 2008. I have always wanted to go to Jamaica. I love the culture, food, people, just everything!

I especially felt compelled to write to you because since visiting Jamaica, I read The Gleaner to keep abreast of current events.

I have an associate's degree in elementary education and am pursuing my bachelor's degree in the same. I often try to see the comparisons of Jamaican children and children where I reside. To hear about such violence appalls me for both your children as well as the ones here in The States.

The violence MUST end. Children should not be in fear of going to school. Parents must take an active role in their children's lives as well. I also just try to imagine Philadelphia and Jamaica partnering up in the future, to do something for the children like a pen-pal programme, or even to bring some of the practices and resources we have here in the States to Jamaica.

When I do become a teacher, hopefully, I can make a change in children's lives in both places. This is a life goal for me. I will continue to dream and pray that our children are safe all over the world. My love for Jamaica is a special love! One Love!

- Tracey Guerrant

tguerrant@keyship.com,

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Hi, my name is Stephane, 40, a French citizen living in Paris.

Thanks for your so sad, but so useful article about the forum that described the hell that these brave students are living ... The front-page picture was so eloquent also. What can we do to help these kids? Transmit their talks, maybe?

You see, I love Jamaican culture and Jamaican people. I do a Jamaican press review in a reggae radio programme every Tuesday, and I am going to translate into French and read this article totally.

We, in France, also have a problem with people more and more admiring the gangster life.

I must admit also, that I can be fascinated sometimes by some hardcore violent dancehall songs during a dance. In the meantime, I don't blame the music for being responsible for the situation for guns in Jamaica. What can we do to help these kids? I don't have the solution.

- Stephane Delphin

stephdelphin@yahoo.fr

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Hi, I am sitting at my desk here crying for those kids. Is there anything I can do to help them? I can feel the pain of those kids, I was born in Jamaica, but grew up in St. Elizabeth before migrating.

- Patricia Dunkley Dawkins

patricia-dawkins@coralwave.com.