THE EDITOR, Sir:

It's time for action now! This is a teacher's response to the many arguments that 'teachers should/can/must do more', which has become the major theme for solving the crisis in the education sector and society (e.g. 'Save our youths' article of Thursday, May 1, pleading for teachers to do more to save the nation's youth) and another article titled 'Packer offers solutions to education 'debacle' ' in which he is advocating a payment by result system.

I do not understand these views. Are people blaming teachers for the present state of affairs and suppose that they have some magic powers to zap away the problems?

Erosion of values

Be informed that the root cause of the problem is the national erosion of social and moral values and the symptoms are now playing out in schools. We all have to share the blame.

Do not be content to only hear the ill news on the media, but be resolved to help curb the unbelievable events that are ripping the sector apart.

I am inviting all persons who are really interested in putting back education into our schools to come and take a first-hand look at these institutions, observe the happenings and talk to teachers.

Let them tell you their stories. You need to hear them. Let's look at a typical problem facing the schools - the fact that students are not inclined to do homework. What's your advice?

The 'i' in difference is important. Do not just write down words on paper or give speeches in mid-air. You must take the initiative (whoever you are, not just teachers). There are other key stakeholders in society, chief among them parents, the Ministry of Edu-cation and the community.

Let me take the first step because if I fail to do so, then I would be defeating the purpose.

Start right now

Therefore, should you feel within yourselves (whomever, teacher, doctor, lawyer, etc.) that it is time for something concrete to be done and you want to get 'physically involved' and not just 'talking involved', get up, pool our efforts and get doing. Let us start somewhere. Let us start now.

I strongly believe that if you are not willing to help (DO), then you should not offer any solutions. Do not sit down and wait on teachers to solve this crisis. It can't work.

The teachers cannot do it alone, the ministry cannot do it alone. Let us see what we can do to rescue our children, for your sake and your children's sake.

We can do it

Should you want to fill in the 'i' in d_fference, make contact now (see e-address below) and let's get the mission under way. Problems are solved by doing, not merely talking.

Remember, Martin Luther did it. Harriet Tubman (Lady Moses) did it. Rosa Parks did it. ... (you) can do it.

I am, etc..

ELAINE HARRIS

azuredef@yahoo.com

Old Harbour, St. Catherine

Via Go-Jamaica