In an effort to address anti-social behaviours in schools and the wider society, the Ministry of Education yesterday launched the Citizenship Education Programme in 120 schools across the country.

A recommendation by the task force report on education, the Citizenship Education Programme is expected to focus on values and attitudes, patriotism and service, among other things.

The programme is expected to be fully executed in schools by next January. Some schools in the Ministry of Education's regions one, three, four and six have been selected to participate.

The expected outcomes of the programme include a reduction in the incidents of indiscipline, improved harmonious relationships in the school community and well-rounded adjusted individuals contributing to national development.

An important initiative

Speaking during the launch of the programme, held at the Jamaica Conference Centre, downtown Kingston, Frank Weeple, executive director of the Education Transformation Team (ETT), said the programme was one of the most important initiatives to be implemented in schools.

Everald Douglas, deputy chief education officer in the Ministry of Education said he was happy that serious measures were being put in place to address citizens and behaviour, noting that good citizenship was lacking in every aspect of Jamaican life.

For her part, Margaret Brissett-Bolt, head of the Behaviour Change and Community Work-stream in the ETT, urged principals to assist in making the programme a success.