Petrina Francis, Education Reporter
Students of Munro College in Top Hill, St. Elizabeth, watch a graduation ceremony in this June 27, 2004 file photo. The Jamaica Teachers' Association yesterday appealed to churches to build more boarding schools islandwide to accommodate students in violence-torn communities. - CLAUDINE HOUSEN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
THE JAMAICA Teachers' Association (JTA) is challenging the Church to build more boarding schools, especially to accommodate children in violence-plagued areas, as one way of tackling some of the country's social problems.
According to Ruel Reid, president of the JTA, boarding schools would be an avenue for these children to escape negative socialisation in their communities.
He predicted that many children would welcome the chance to move away from their homes as it would give them the option of growing up in a more secure environment.
Currently, there are five boarding schools in Jamaica: Munro College and Hampton High in St. Elizabeth; Knox College in Manchester, Westwood High in Trelawny; and St. Hilda's High in St. Ann.
Senator Noel Monteith, State Minister in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Culture, welcomed Mr. Reid's suggestion.
"I would have absolutely no objection. Certainly, in many areas we need more schools and the Church has played a great role in education," Senator Monteith said.
COST A CONCERN
The State Minister said the cost of education has pushed churches out of mainstream education. He noted that if the Church were in a position to re-exert its influence on the education sector, it would support the Government's initiative to provide a world-class system.
While agreeing that the proposal could help to prevent a new generation of criminals, Andrew Holness, Opposition Spokesman on Education, cautioned yesterday that boarding schools were a very expensive venture.
