The Editor, Sir:

I'm responding to the article 'Separating the boys', which is an attempt to enhance the learning process for boys.

The principle of equifinality will lead to various options to address this urgent need of effectively educating boys. Separating boys from girls is worth a try; but consider this: unisex groups seem to foster homosexuality. This I have gathered from listening to grown men disclose their experiences of attempted rape by male help agents, namely, pastors, teachers, gym instructors, and just about anyone who is in a position of control; (this goes for boys as well as girls).

This operation, if implemented, should be monitored effectively, for teaching/learning, and abuse/ non-abuse. 'Arm the child', is a good motto. Kids are taught at home and school, how to spot predators or snatchers, and ways to combat a confrontation with a predator. Let's take this a step further:

Teach the child about inappropriate touches, about worthless threats such as 'parents will be killed if the child is unaccommodating to sexual advances or suggestions, or rape'.

Outline to the teachers the consequences of inappropriate behaviour directed at a child; and execute punishment to the maximum for non-adherence to this demand.

This is not an attempt to bash any sexual preference, just an attempt to put things in perspective. Sexual exploitation limits and slows learning. I can attest to that. Our children are our future, allow them the right to exercise their free will to choose. Only then, can they be truly who they want to be, and be comfortable with who they are.

I am, etc.,

D. ELAINE MORRISON

d.blake-morrison@att.net