THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE TWIN-HEADED monster of crime and ignorance has reared its ugly head once more. With murders heading for a record high and there are little in the way of concrete solutions. Numerous studies have confirmed that youths are both the major perpetrators and victims of crime.
The Education Minister has appointed a committee to examine the national curriculum in the face of increased violence in schools (three students killed in less than a month, declining standards and attendance (The Minott Report) and the mass exodus of teachers from the classroom.
All this is taking place in the context of rising educational costs, a cut in the budgetary allocation to education and a cost-sharing programme that has forced poor, students out of the classroom and into the hands of the carnal abusers, child molesters and nightclubs.
I would like to use this medium to issue an appeal to the Government on behalf of all Jamaican youths; Put youth issues squarely on the national agenda. Scrap the cost-sharing programme immediately. Increase the budgetary allocation to education by two per cent annually.
Using external assistance where necessary, introduce programmes and policies to bolster the economic and job prospects and declare 2005 'The Year of the Youth'.
Ignorance and crime will decrease as hope and education increase. if there is no hope for the youth, there is no hope for the future.
I am, etc.,
PHILLIP CHAMBERS
phillipdcchambers@yahoo.com
Greater Portmore,
St.Catherine
Via Go-Jamaica
...start programme for boys
THE EDITOR, Sir:
YOUR WEEKLY polls on your website ask the question: 'Should Jamaica Develop a Special Education Programme for Boys'. The evidence is there in Jamaica at Alpha Boys' School and well-established for over 120 years.
The boys at Alpha, who are from various strata of society foster homes, ordinary homes and other Caribbean countries, are living proof that such programme is needed.
Look at the achievement by the Sisters of Mercy under the umbrella of Alpha. It's time the Government of Jamaica ask the Sisters at Alpha how they achieve such great understanding of boys and make such great men like the late Leslie Thompson, who could play all musical instruments and was the first black man to conducted the London Symphony Orchestra, Tommy McCook and others.
It seem that the Sisters at Alpha have such a programme already in place. All it needs is a Government with some will power to give the Sisters at Alpha a helping hand.
I am, etc.,
COTTRELL HYATT
chyatt@postmaster.co.uka
14 Clearmont Road
London
Via Go-Jamaica
