At Berbice forum…
EDUCATION Minister Shaik Baksh has charged that media reports on violence in schools have been sensationalised and his ministry will soon host a public forum to address the issue. Addressing scores of heads, deputy heads and senior teachers of Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne), at the Tain Campus of University of Guyana (UG) last Friday,  he said, contrary to what has been reported, it remains a perception that the problem is widespread in the school system.

Mr. Baksh said the imminent open one-day discussion will involve teachers, students, parents, social scientists and other stakeholders in society, who would examine the causal factors and solutions.

He said data on assaults, gangs, immorality and other related incidents in schools have already been collected from all the regions and the discourse will give his ministry a clearer sense of direction on how to proceed in addressing the matter.

Baksh observed that the current situation is not peculiar to Guyana and noted that, based on online reports, it seems to be prevalent in Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.                   He disclosed that several international organisations have conducted research on the incidence and their recommendations continue to be part of the Ministry’s interventions.

Baksh informed the Berbice gathering that his ministry is considering beefing up security at more secondary schools in Georgetown, in light of increasing reports of violence in them.

He said guidance counsellors have been placed in six schools where the incidents most occurred and the Chief Schools Welfare officer is closely monitoring those institutions.

Baksh said the Principal Education Officer, Mr. Marcel Hudson has initiated a search of students but this move has been met with opposition from some parents.

He said, under new education legislation, provision has been made for the establishment of a Students Council to allow them to have a voice on these and other matters affecting the school system.

Baksh announced that the Ministry is also looking to set up a National Mentoring Programme in schools to keep students focused and motivated and the Health and Family Life Education Programme will be introduced in more such places of learning.

In addition, he said the Ministry has been working to resuscitate and strengthen Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs), as parents have an important role to play in imparting values of discipline and proper conduct to their children.

One headteacher said the time has come for students who hit their teachers to be made examples and called on the Ministry to take swift and stern action in this regard.

The teacher suggested that those students be removed from the school system and  put in special centres where they can receive proper guidance and counselling.

Baksh responded that his ministry is firmly against students assaulting teachers and revealed that five students were expelled from the Tutorial High School for doing so.

He said, too, that any parent who assaults or threatens a teacher should be reported to the Police.