Gender and education

THE EDITOR, Madam:

THE RECENT reports of a prominent Kingston Preparatory school contemplating the conversion of the institution to an all-girls school has no doubt raised a few alarm bells in the minds of many concerned Jamaicans. One must wonder, what is the message that are we sending to our young boys?

We hope that the school board will have some plausible reason why they would choose to make the institution into an all-girls school. This decision cannot be seen as a positive one for the future of our children. There are many pros for the integration of children of both sexes in their formative years. Boys and girls learn to interact and learn with each other, they are aware of their differences and similarities. In short they learn to function as well adjusted young human beings.

Recent studies show that boys are treated differently in primary schools than their female counterparts. They are often the subject of abuse because they are viewed as rude and disruptive. This study points to the fact that although young girls and boys (3-10 years old) are similar with respect to their educational development, there are basic differences that must be taken into consideration. I have raised this point to suggest that it may be useful to consider the possibility of creating preparatory and primary schools for boys only. I may seem to be supportive of the move to segregate children, I assure you that I am not.

However, we need to address the educational needs of our young males. These schools should be used to teach our boys that they are not inferior, dunce and disruptive. They should teach them to respect their elders and authority figures as well as girls and women they interact with. The schools should also provide strong male role models (teachers and principals) so that young boys can grow up with a sense of purpose and belonging to the educational process. Too often one finds that the secondary boys' schools have to start from scratch in the teaching these values and attitudes.

We cannot continue to send messages to our young boys that girls are better and brighter than they are, by kicking them out of school. We must show them that girls are their equals and partners in the quest for a better and just society.

I am etc.,

PETER E.T. EDWARDS
Postgraduate Flats
UWI, Mona
Kingston 7
Via Go-Jamaica

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