Gabbidon
Claudine Housen, Staff Reporter
WESTERN BUREAU:
OUTGOING PRESIDENT of the Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA), Mr. Wentworth Gabiddon, is calling on parents and teachers to take responsibility for the behaviour of the nation's children in the fight to reduce violence in our schools.
"There have been many reported incidents of indiscipline and violence in our schools and wider society," said Mr. Gabbidon, who was speaking on Tuesday at Sam Sharpe Teachers' College graduation, in Montego Bay. "These must be viewed with concern and alarm for the future of the nation."
While congratulating the graduands on their success thus far, Mr. Gabbidon asked them to temper their joy with the realities of violence in the schoolroom.
TEACHERS NEED HELP
"The future of our generation rests on us eliminating this kind of behaviour," Mr. Gabbidon said. "While we facilitate the academic, we must also attend to character education and civic responsibilities."
Pointing out that violence in schools is a reflection of violence in the nation, Mr. Gabbidon also called on the parents to do their part in the fight to reduce crime and violence in the country to lead by example.
"Teachers alone cannot do it," he said. "I dare to say to you that as adults, we must accept the responsibility that we have failed to effectively guide the children. It must be remembered that children live what they learn and they learn from us the adults."
GRADUATES
"We must set the stage for what our children do," Mr. Gabbidon continued. "Parents and guardians have the responsibility for growth and development including the inculcation of positive values and attitudes to make them (children) into worthwhile citizens of society."
One hundred and thirty-three students graduated from the Sam Sharpe Teachers' College with skills in early childhood education, special education and guidance and counselling.
