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Stabroek News

Preparing the next generation
published: Wednesday | January 31, 2007


Hilary Robertson-Hickling, Contributor

The preparation of the next generation is a daunting task for parents, teachers, the media and the other agents of socialization. The next generation which has been featured in a recent BBC series as well as on one of the American networks has many challenges facing it as well as many opportunities as depicted by the Chinese symbol of the crisis which also depicts opportunity.

Impact of globalisation

The challenges include the increasing debt incurred while undertaking college and university education, the uncertainty in terms of jobs which are available, the impact of globalization which pits members of the workforces in different countries which are competing to provide the same goods and services. The technology which can expand horizons, develop new careers and business opportunities can also be a source of pornography, bomb-making and many other ills.

For those who are multi-lingual, high-tech, creative, and mobile this is a great time, but many are trapped in the third world or in poverty in the same metropolitan countries. For the young migrant from Jamaica, there are many challenges in a world which allows for the free movement of capital but not labour. The generation knows more about sex than previous generations but also has to understand the world of HIV/AIDS.

When we look at our country and region we see the benefits that have accrued from improvements in health and education and other opportunities, but we realise that our educational system is not keeping pace and is not providing the kind of education which is appropriate for the future. However, there are many young people who are grasping the opportunities and doing well at this time as was evident in the faces and the voices of the members of the lovely Ardenne High School Choir at the opening ceremony at UWI recently.

The levels of violence being experienced are frightening, as we know that the perpetrators and the victims are young people. Twelve and 13-year-old boys and girls have killed others with the gun and the knife in Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago recently. Pornographic rings are developing in schools with the assistance of the cellphone as a medium for broadcast. The psychological trauma is affecting the very fabric of society and is resulting in increased levels of anti-social behaviour.

Provide a vision

To combat these ills it is necessary to foster self-esteem, self-respect and hope which is able to provide a vision of the future. We have some great role models in our society, scholars, athletes, artists, farmers and many others. I was excited to hear of the academic and entrepreneurial exploits of Karen Tamasha, the farmer from St. Mary, and much more exposure should be given to this kind of young person. Churches and other agents of socialisation have to look at the values and ethical standards which are being set.

In the future some of these young people will be parents and hopefully they will learn from the mistakes made by their parents and grandparents. The world will continue to be filled with uncertainty, but we must take the job of preparation seriously.

Hilary Robertson-Hickling is a lecturer in the Department of Management Studies, UWI, Mona.

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