Education Ministry tightens security in schools

The Ministry of Education, through its School Intervention Strategies (SIS) Unit and School Security Team, continues to emphasise security in both primary and secondary schools. As a testament to this fact, 282 primary schools are being provided with security personnel and infrastructural upgrading to the tune of $63.4 million, the Education Ministry revealed Monday. In a release, the Ministry said these developmental works included the rebuilding and securing of perimeter fences, burglar proofing of high-risk areas in schools, securing water tanks, replacing wooden floors and the installation of security lights in strategic areas. Security personnel and infrastructural works are expected to be completed at an additional 60 schools (sixth phase) during the 2003/2004 school term at an additional cost of $12.6 million. Work on the remaining 200 primary schools is expected to be completed by September 2006. The Ministry was proud to report that since the introduction of security measures in schools, there have not been any reports of violence.

The SIS Security Team — led by Hatim Gardner, Manager of the Rudranath Capildeo Learning Resource Centre (RCLRC) — are working to implement strategies to prevent students from carrying weapons into schools, as well as prevent the  manufacturing of them in workshops and laboratories. The SIS Committee overseeing the implementation of the programme for security in schools include representatives of the Ministry of Education, TTUTA, the NPTA, Secondary School principals, community police and MTS. The SIS Unit was established to combat the increase in violence and indiscipline in schools through programmes that seek to enhance school security, change the culture of the classroom, establish student councils, facilitate behaviour modification initiatives and the training of teachers in conflict resolution.