HOW do we fight domestic violence successfully? How do we cut down on the incidence of suicide? How do we keep crime of the streets? How do we stop the proliferation of drug addicts? The answer is in education; in self development of the future citizens of Guyana. Here are some coping skills that they will need in four categories. 1. Ahimsa (non-injury):- tolerance, mercy, compassion, fairness, forgiveness, respect, harmony, peacefulness.

2. Truth:- honesty, trustworthiness, diligence

2. Purity:- diet ( avoidance of addictive substances), modesty, self restraint

4. Humility and selfless service

The fourth category is for the saints; something to aspire to. This is like the PHd of values education. However the first three categories may be more easily reached and taught in our public schools and be respected by all and sundry in our community. All religions support these values. All employers respect these qualities in their staff and certainly it will bring an end to racial divide.

The method of learning these values is called self-introspection. Teachers may give examples and tell stories and ask students to memorise quotes, hold conference, debates, but that is not enough. The child has to learn by noting their own failures in each category at the end of the day in a special diary on a regular basis.  Learning is subjective not objective. Gradually they learn to make good decisions by self introspection. Progress is never over night. It should take at least two years to see the benefits in the school system.

Today we have seen that health and family life education is being introduced to the school time table from Grade 6 up. At least now some focus is being placed on child self development directly. However, from nursery to grade 6 nothing is doing as yet. When?