Much Emphasis on School Security and Safety During March

In continuation of its thrust to encourage and develop a culture of safety and security in schools, the Ministry of Education, in conjunction with the Ministry of National Security, launched School Security and Safety Month 2011,  at Jamaica House, yesterday (March 3).

Addressing the ceremony, Minister of Education, Hon. Andrew Holness said that, "school remains the safest place for children away from home."

He noted that more principals and administrative staff  have acknowledged the importance of proper management for the safety of all, and stressed that schools  are a microcosm of the society, and must exemplify the upholding of law and order as, "what is illegal in the society is illegal in the school."

The Minister said that is the reason  why the Ministry does not support protests by teachers that are in breach of the law.

Mr. Holness stressed that security and safety must become a way of life. "The best way to define culture is what people do without thinking, what people do naturally, and we want safety and security to become something that we do without even thinking, that's the strategy that we are employing in our schools," he told the gathering of stakeholders.

He assured that the Ministry continued to be vigilant in ensuring that schools adhere to the minimum standards and guidelines for security and safety that have been set out, and has taken a zero tolerance approach to infractions.

"It is not optional for principals to decide…there is now a safety and security policy that binds everyone. It is more than just an administrative directive. In fact, the intention now is to roll this policy into a law, which is already being drafted," Mr. Holness said.

He pointed out that already, the policy has  been reaping fruit,  citing the stance taken against the use of cell-phones in schools, given the level of crime generated by cell-phone activity a few years ago, and which had in four instances, led to the death of students.

The Minister said measures  are also being put in place to address other issues that are emerging, such as those related to the use of computer labs, and the trend of bullying. Of the latter, he warned that although no policy guidelines have yet been issued, "bullying will not be tolerated in our schools."

Under the theme: ‘School Security and Safety is Everybody's Business', the Ministry will be carrying out a series of activities throughout the month, led by a special committee which is co-ordinating the work being done throughout the various departments, to ensure safety in schools.

This year's activities include: a national church service set for Sunday, March 6, with regional church services to be held on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the month; a special morning of devotion in all schools on March 7; forums on the issues surrounding security and safety in schools, organised by  the Ministry's community relations education officers; and the launch of the primary school segment of the Ministry's School Safety Programme, on March 23.

Additionally, the police, the Jamaica Fire Brigade, and the Social development Commission will be visiting schools to give talks on various elements of security and safety.

Under the MoE's Security and Safety Programme, four manuals have been introduced in schools, with the main one being the security and safety guidelines and minimum standards, which speaks to the promotion of a culture of security and safety in schools. The other manuals include: the guidelines for the management of hazardous materials and equipment; the disposal of hazardous waste; safety guidelines for contact sports; and the critical incidence management plan for a safe school environment.

CONTACT: ALPHEA SAUNDERS