Education Minister Shawn Edward told a termly meeting with school principals recently of the need for a secure school environment which he explained was essential in delivering quality education.
Amid a surge in gun violence, Edward declared that whatever obtains in the wider society will invariably infiltrate the school system.
“So if we have a problem on our hands nationally with guns where people have guns in every pocket of this country, invariably guns will find themselves in the school system,” the Minister told the gathering.
“But that does not make it acceptable,” he asserted.
And the former teacher called for a concerted effort involving all relevant parties to foster educational achievement.
In this regard, he praised school administrators for their contribution, urging them to assist students in developing skills to succeed locally, regionally, and even globally.
Edward told the educators that their monthly salary could not adequately compensate them for what they do.
“I know today it is more difficult for you than it would have been for your predecessors ten, twenty years ago,” he stated.
In addition, the Minister referred to the range of issues the school administrators have to deal with even before providing supervision for lesson delivery.
“These things consume a lot of your time and it weighs you down in ways that you never even imagined when you agreed to take the job,” Edward observed.
“But we cannot surrender,” he declared.
The Education Ministry’s Communications Unit said the termly meeting at which Edward spoke focused on strengthening the education system.
The session also addressed the issues experienced by schools on the island.
