ADEQUATE psychosocial support, in general, is a challenge locally despite continuous gains made. In schools, where children have all sorts of experiences and challenges that impact their ability to learn and develop, there is an even greater need for this type of support.
What, unfortunately, reminded us of the crucial need for this support was the death of a student at the St. Joseph’s High School in Georgetown last week. The student died by suicide after he was, allegedly, abused at the school.
An investigation has, of course, been launched by the Ministry of Education. A statement from the ministry also noted that psychosocial support is being provided to the family, the student body, and the school staff.
These are all important things when responding to a tragedy such as this. Still, the availability of adequate support all along could have prevented that student’s death in the first place. Who knows what difference a trained professional talking to a child in need might have made?
Speaking based on my own experiences, I don’t believe that enough attention is placed on children’s psychosocial well-being and welfare in schools. It is an institutional, not political, issue. Just as in the wider health sector, there aren’t enough trained professionals, and the existing personnel have a tall task of responding to the needs of large groups of people (in this case, children).
Without attempting to determine what might have contributed to the student’s death, I believe it is fair to submit that more psychosocial support in schools can prevent these tragedies from occurring. Let’s remember that, as had become very apparent during COVID-19, schools are a haven; a place of refuge for many children. And the education system must respond to the needs of children, and not just advance their academic potential.
Because this incident involves death by suicide, there are other things to consider. Based on existing laws, suicide is a criminal offence, and mental health concerns are not afforded much sensitivity.
The existing law labels attempted suicide a “misdemeanour”, and the individual who attempts suicide is liable to two years in prison. Many agree that such punitive measures have no place in modern societies, when there is a greater understanding that people who attempt suicide need help and support, not punishment.
New proposed laws could change these worrying facts, allowing for a greater focus on suicide prevention and mental health support. As I noted before, I think our legislation must be revamped, because it provides the necessary architecture to ensure that requisite support services are provided. Targeted interventions must be facilitated by appropriate legislation.
This incident at the St. Joseph’s High School isn’t the only heartbreaking occurrence in schools recently.
A few weeks ago, a fifth-form student at the St. John’s High School in Georgetown took to social media to complain about the alleged abuse from peers and a teacher. The student detailed facing this abuse because he is part of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+) community.
There again, an investigation has been launched, and the authorities say that support is being provided to the affected students and peers involved. And, there again, adequate support in the school could prevent that student from being abused and even prevent the abusers from engaging in any harmful behaviour.
I don’t envy those responsible for Guyana’s education and health sectors; they are both critical sectors with big needs and, perhaps, it is easy to call for more support and improved services from the outside looking in. Still, abuse of students and an unfortunate death by suicide cannot be overlooked and forgotten. Such solutions must be sought after with much alacrity.
If you would like to discuss this column or any of my previous writings, please feel free to contact me via email: vish14ragobeer@gmail.com
