The Editor, Sir:

For many years we have indifferently watched our schoolchildren being used as tools in protests that some parents think should take place to gain national attention.

One is not undermining the legitimate pursuance of justice or the cry for the relevant authorities to do their jobs; however, students up to high school level should be banned from participating in protests. If parents need to demonstrate, let them do so within the ambits of the law but let them not engage their children in any physical form of protests. It is amazing that the Ministry of Education has done absolutely nothing to address this serious situation over the years.

Determining principals

Similarly, it is an indictment on the ministry for years to allow parents and children to determine who is appointed principal of a school. After there are criteria and qualifications that applicants meet and the professional process is pursued, why do we continue to succumb to pressure from protesting parents and students to determine who is appointed principal? Apart from schools, where else can you have 'outsiders' come and tell you who will be the boss or the CEO, no matter how much they think they know? The Ministry of Education needs to take responsibility for being unfair in some circumstances where vice-principals give years of dedicated service, without any professional misconduct or incompetence, and are not promoted to the position of principal.

It is hoped that these two pressing matters will be addressed urgently by the new Minister of Education and that teachers will rise up and make their voices heard, despite the challenges. In the meantime, many of these protesting students should spend their time learning to read well and do some English and mathematics, among other things. Parents should stop fostering disrespect, ignorance, irresponsibility and chaos in the society.

I am, etc.,

MAVERLIN OLIVER (Mrs.)