Ray of hope with P’ville Secondary

In their quest to educate and improve lives, the staff and students of Pleasantville Secondary came up with a production which they aptly named Life Issues and staged at the Naparima Bowl, San Fernando, last Thursday. What a production. What an exhilarating performance by the students.

Life Issues led the audience through the numerous social issues which negatively impact the lives of students. Themes like domestic violence, drug abuse, incest, rape, bullying, teenage pregnancy and other issues were brought alive by the students through drama, music, dance and visual arts. This was a really comprehensive production.

At times, the performances were so powerful that a hush descended on the Bowl. The audience, which consisted of many young people and parents, was left spellbound or sometimes in tears. Indeed the message was clear.

The cast of students, none of them “professional” actors, obviously spent long hours at rehearsals.

And we label all young people as indisciplined? As a retired teacher I know how difficult it is to encourage students to do a presentation in front a class.

The teachers involved in this production have worked hard.

Mr Sargeant, the dance teacher/ production manager, Mr Durity, the artistic director, and Ms Thomas-Cooper, the visual arts teacher, have shown through their love, dedication and commitment that teachers can lead and encourage students to reach heights unknown even to the students themselves. I know many other staff members were involved and this augurs well for our education system.

I am happy that the staff and students of Pleasantville Secondary are continuing the rich heritage of the 80s, when this school was an academic and cultural leader in TT . Way to go, Pleasantville.

Janice Frederick- Sealy Freeport