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gilly@tstt.net.tt
A
lost generation
It
is no secret. There is a major problem in the nation’s
schools concerning indiscipline and outright violent conduct
of students. To suggest that the crisis is limited to a
few schools in which there are pockets of troublemakers
would be to give the word naivety a much wider meaning.
Previous holders of the office of Minister of Education
have recognised the existence of uncontrollable students
who are prepared to break all the rules, regardless the
sanction.
These “bad eggs” can be found in most schools
throughout the country and their increasing presence is
a mere reflection of the greater societal problem—lawlessness.
The situation in the schools should not be lightly dismissed
because turning a blind eye will not make the problem disappear.
We are a country in shreds and society has to take a check
of itself and determine what immediate measures can be taken
to fix the social fabric that has ripped at the seams.
Politically correct
For too long we have used politics to determine how matters
ought to be resolved. Instead of policy makers focusing
on implementing solutions that will work, attention has
been paid to solving problems using ways that are known
to be realistically ineffective but which have little political
fall-out for the decision makers.
So when it is appropriate to deal with gang leaders as thugs
who breach the law and who should be brought before the
courts to face the sanctions for their transgressions, such
nefarious characters are instead identified and wooed with
words of encouragement to amend their deviant behaviour.
We are in a bad situation that is only going to get worst
unless all the stakeholders come together to launch an immediate
cohesive effort to address the problem of escalating violence
in schools.
No school should feel unaffected or secure in the belief
that they are above penetration.
Whether the objectionable or illegal conduct is being committed
within the school premises or on the streets outside, each
institution has to take stock and assist if we are to recover
this generation which will soon be lost.
And the problem will not end right away. It will take years
before we reap the benefits of the measures that we implement
today.
The fact that the mother of slain schoolboy Shaquille Roberts
could in her time of grief admit that based on the facts
of her son’s death, if he had not been killed “Shaquille
would have killed him” is indicative of the gravity
of the matter.
The statement made by this mother raises so many issues
for concern that perhaps, when sufficient time has passed,
she and so many others in her position could reveal information
that would provide important leads on the subject of escalating
violence in schools.
Alarming violence
For those involved in the fight against crime, especially
with respect to crime prevention, the alarming increase
in violent crime in schools must be nothing short of alarming.
It was once thought that schools were “second homes”
for children where they could be taught not only academics
but be trained to become law-abiding young men and women.
How comfortable would any parent or guardian feel knowing
that his or her child could be the next victim of a fatal
attack?
What kind of environment is this for those people who really
want to learn or become equipped with some skill?
And what of the teachers who are undoubtedly academically
qualified to impart their knowledge but perhaps not trained
in the art of self-defence?
Is it that we are waiting for a teacher to be the next victim
in circumstances in which the teacher was attempting to
part a fight or protect a student?
It is only an objective and scientific approach that will
assist in formulating a national plan to prevent the school
grounds from becoming play fields for young bandits.
For years, criminal activity in schools has been allowed
to escalate out of control and despite numerous warnings,
those in authority have given empty assurances.
We were initially told that the incidents of violence in
schools were as a result of the football season and so were
only prevalent for a few months when a healthy competitive
spirit became a violent desire to win.
This was not an indictment of the players but the behaviour
of their fans who took the game personally.
Then we were informed that youths in schools would be encouraged
to dance in order to focus their attention and skills elsewhere.
Clearly there is not enough dancing or the art form has
become so dirty that it is attracting, rather than preventing,
violent behaviour.
Obscene music
Perhaps the time has come for laws or regulations to be
passed preventing drivers of maxi-taxis from using the Priority
Bus Route if their vehicles promote obscenity or improper
messages.
The music played in the maxis as young people get to and
from school certainly sets the frame of mind for which most
operate.
But are we prepared to take a stand and run the risk of
losing political mileage?
Are we at the stage of reopening the debate as to whether
there should be laws to ensure a higher moral standing for
society?
In the midst of all the violent commotion in schools with
victims and perpetrators getting younger in age, there is
a glimmer of hope.
The media must be commended for their coverage of Music
Festival 2008 with pictures of dynamic and outstanding performers
after appearing on the front pages of he various publications.
What a wealth of talent we possess in our country with several
young singers and musicians gaining favourable comments
from the foreign adjudicators.
With all this wonderful talent, why are we so intent on
destroying the grounds of our one-time paradise?
And in the area of sports, how proud we feel about our local
cricket team led by Daren Ganga and their recent victory.
Sustainable support
We have to develop a means to provide sustainable support
for those who excel in the arenas of academics, sports,
culture and entertainment.
But what example is set by some entertainers who perform
with unbridled crudity on stage.
All this obscenity is graphically portrayed right in the
faces of the youth. It is not the intention to blow trumpets
claiming to be holier than thou, but there must be moral
parameters within which a society operates.
If the parameters widen then care must be had that the floodgates
of crudity are not opened without the slightest chance of
closure.
We are about to lose a generation and the onus is on us
to reclaim our youth before it is too late.
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