THE EDITOR, Sir:

'TURN THEM in', The Gleaner headline of February 21 states. This begs the question, 'Turn who in?' From the story, it is the delinquent, weapon-bearing, teacher-beating students of some of Jamaica's educational institutions. Oh, what a pity!

Children live what they learn. How many times has this statement been reiterated, but sadly, without any changes to what they learn? Could it be that the teaching (example) is wrong? If it is wrong, who is causing it to be wrong?

This article states that the education ministry is looking to the police for help in this area. The police are already overburdened with traffic congestion, criminal gangs and activities and so many other illegal and illicit manifestations. Their hands are full, and also 'tied' by human rights groups and the law hanging over their heads.

The education ministry has pointed to numerous incidents at schools across the island and has asked that such incidents be reported to the police. When police have been called to schools to quell confrontations, students run, parents protest. Does this solve the problem?

The National Parent-Teacher Association of Jamaica and the Jamaica Teachers' Association have supported the minister's argument, saying, "violence in schools must be stamped out". They say that a child ought not to have any weapon in school. This is correct, but from where did they get the weapons? Who can prevent them from acquiring these weapons when they can earn their keep from buying Cash Pot and playing video games?

Wise up adults

Come on, adults, wise up and cut the hypocrisy! Our children need role models, attention, care and love.

The president of the National Secondary Student Council says that caution should be exercised in disarming students because some of them live in volatile communities and carry weapons for protection. They should not carry them at all! Many times, it is their own weapons that criminals use to kill them.

The ministry will be looking at and addressing the matter of access to school compounds. It should also look at vehicular entry and visitors during school hours, and it would not be a bad idea to implement detectors at the school gate, have all students use a central entry and have the security guards check and remove weapons before entry to school compound.

There is a drastic need for the resumption of proper training of children at home, in Sunday and Sabbath schools and then at schools. The teacher's job is already burdensome because of the lack of interest in learning displayed by some students. Why make it weightier by asking them to accept insults and beatings?

I am, etc.,

ROSE DEWAR

rldewar@hotmail.com