Petrina Francis, Staff Reporter

Out-going president of the Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA), Ruel Reid (right), greets incoming president Hopeton Henry, during the JTA's 42nd annual conference on Monday night at the Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort, in Ocho Rios, St. Ann. - Roger Robinson/Freelance Photographer

Ocho Rios, St. Ann:

Professor Nigel Harris, vice-chancellor of the University of the West Indies (UWI), says students should be charged with the responsibility of assisting with the repair of schools.

He said this would give them meaningful participation in the education system and result in students being responsible citizens.

Speaking Monday during the 42nd annual conference of the Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA), underway at the Sunset Jamaica Grade Resort, St. Ann, Professor Harris said visits to several schools across the region have revealed that many schools are in shambles with broken windows, unpainted buildings and the school yard filled with trash.

"I think the students under the guidance of their teachers should identify projects within the school," he suggested.

"It may not only be painting buildings but helping to clean the school yard," he told The Gleaner yesterday.

However, Professor Harris said his suggestion was not to stop Government from living up to its responsibility.

"But there is so much that should and can be done (by students)," he said.

Better state of readiness

The Opposition spokesman on education, Andrew Holness, had expressed concern that some schools may not be ready for opening in September because of unprepared buildings.

The vice-chancellor said if more students were involved in school repairs, institutions would be in a better state of readiness.

Hopeton Henry, newly installed president of the JTA told The Gleaner he supports Professor Harris' suggestion. According to Mr. Henry, students at his school, Seaforth High, St. Thomas are integrally involved in the repair of chairs. He noted that students are given a stipend at some schools for assisting with repairs.

"The vocational area needs to have an entrepreneurial approach. This is one of the ways of getting boys prepared for the world of work," he said.

Meanwhile Professor Harris said, while Governments and civic leaders usually make positive statements about teachers and highlight the importance of the profession, "it is with much regret and some embarrassment that I say many of them do not live up to the statements that are made."

He added: "Our societies have not provided the material benefit or even the respect that our teachers deserve."

The three-day conference, which ends today, is being held under the theme 'Promoting Responsible Citizenship through Education'.