Crisis in Education: Minister Pushes for Solutions to Rising Indiscipline

In a decisive move to tackle the escalating issue of indiscipline in schools, Mahend Gungapersad, the Minister of Education, has initiated consultations with stakeholders in Zone 1. The first meeting was held on Friday 14th March at the Droopnath Ramphul State College in Calebasses, where leaders of educational institutions convened to discuss urgent matters.

Following a prior meeting with various education partners earlier this January, Gungapersad made it clear upon taking office that he aims to engage in extensive consultations before making decisions.

In line with this approach, the 14th March gathering included college rectors, headmasters of government primary schools, and representatives from the RCEA.

During the session, educators shared the considerable challenges they face on a daily basis.

They pointed to concerning trends such as a blatant disregard for authority, instances of violence, and inappropriate language from students, even in primary schools.

Moreover, the presence of drugs within educational settings continues to be a serious concern, intensifying anxiety among school staff.

One school leader who attended the meeting underscored the critical need for full cooperation from law enforcement:

“Each time there’s a drug-related incident at a college, we find the details plastered across newspapers the very next day.

This undermines our ability to carry out thorough investigations. The police must collaborate with us,” he stressed.

During the earlier consultations at MITD House in January, Gungapersad assembled all relevant stakeholders to formulate a comprehensive, multisectoral strategy to address indiscipline and drug-related offences.

Attendees included members of the police force, representatives from the Child Development Unit, the Rehabilitation Youth Centre, and the Ministry of Health.

The Minister has also called for parents to take an active role in tackling these issues.

Violence-Free Eduction

During the 14th March discussions, Gungapersad reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to restoring respect and tranquility in schools.

He declared a firm no-tolerance policy for violence within educational environments and condemned instances of aggression from parents towards teachers, insisting that such behaviour will not be tolerated.

He encouraged educators to treat each student as if they were their own child, advocating for a genuine investment in their education.

Further consultations are set to continue in the remaining educational zones, all aimed at discovering solutions to the troubling rise in indiscipline.

These meetings are being organised in advance of the Education Conference scheduled for April, which is likely to take place during the first school holidays, between the 11th and 28th of that month.

Only time will reveal whether this initiative will lead to a safer and more respectful environment in our schools.

Source: Defi Media