Education Minister Calls on Parents to Assist Children to Develop Good Virtues

To quell antisocial behaviour in schools, Minister of Education and Youth, Hon. Fayval Williams, has called on parents to assist their children to develop “good virtues”.

Addressing the 30th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service for the Association of Principals and Vice Principals, held at the Old Harbour New Testament Church of God in St. Catherine, on Sunday (October 9), the Minister emphasised that from very early at home, children must be taught the value of respectful behaviour, and parents must also help them with peaceful approaches.

“Parents, we need you to get your children in a good frame of mind, so that when they show up in our schools, they are ready to learn. We want them to come with peace in their minds, not anger. Pray with them before you send them out to school,” the Minister told the audience.

Mrs. Williams also underscored the need for parents to ensure that children are at school early for the commencement of classes and be in the “right uniform” and always obeying the school rules.

She said where parents have disagreements with particular rules, they should utilise the various groups in the system and not resort to disrupting the normal running of the institutions.

“We have Boards in our schools, we have parent and teacher associations. I am encouraging you to be part of the associations, and have your voices heard in a peaceful and respectful way. Changes are possible, but it is not about blocking the streets, and ‘cussing’; it is about utilising the process that we have in our schools,” Mrs. Williams said.

She further added that parents should ensure that children have “simple hairstyles” and be disciplined at all times, as without order, “education is not going to take place in the institutions”.

The Minister lauded the Association of Principals and Vice Principals for its demonstration of resourcefulness, creativity, and resilience, noting that her Ministry is committed to working with them and to provide the resources they need to do the work.