Teachers and Students Hail National Day of Prayer

Teachers and students have hailed as inspirational the move by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information to declare today (November 11), a National Day of Prayer for the education system.

Spanish Teacher at Pembroke Hall High School in St. Andrew, Suzette Hibbert, said it is very good that the Government recognises the challenges faced by educators and the impact of violence on the nation’s children.

“We do have a lot of children who are troubled and need prayer and intervention from God. It shows that the Government feels our pain, understands what is happening and is reaching out to help us in whatever way they can,” Mrs. Hibbert told JIS News, as hundreds of students, along with teachers, worshipped in the school’s auditorium.

The worship service included performances by the school’s band, singing and several prayers for the protection of the students, teachers and administrative staff.

Food and Nutrition Teacher, Petagaye Walters, also expressed appreciation for the opportunity to unite the school through prayer.

“It’s a good initiative. Let’s hope it works and let’s hope persons take it seriously and effect some form of change in relation to what is happening in our society,” she said.

Education Officer of Region One responsible for Secondary Supervision, Sharon Smith-Whyte, who delivered the charge to the school on behalf of Portfolio Minister, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, urged the children to understand the importance of worship and prayer in their daily lives.

Speaking to JIS News, she said in light of recent attacks carried out against students, she commended the move to reassure and encourage the students, staff and other stakeholders in the education system.

“I want them to be in a very reflective mood this morning, and I want the nation to know that we love our children and that God is our protector and we have to put them in His care,” she said.

Student Council Secretary and Prefect at Pembroke Hall High, Vigulai Williams, described the experience as amazing and encouraged students to seek guidance from God every day.

Vice President of the Students’ Council, Jermaine Allen, said he believes the National Day of Prayer service will help encourage students to distance themselves from negative influence.

“I think what the Government is doing is very great. It is good that the students realise that Jesus is the way,” he said.

Minister Reid, addressing a post-Cabinet press briefing on November 9, said early-childhood, primary, secondary and tertiary-level institutions would conduct prayer and worship devotion between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m. and from noon to 2:00 p.m. for schools on the shift system.

He called for the support of chaplains and churches in the school communities and urged prayers for peace in the system.