Taking out frustration on society

They are blamed for all the violence and crimes taking place in our society.

Where did we go wrong? How long have we been having problems with young people to such an extent that it is adversely affecting our society as a whole?

Yes, there may be a lot of causes such as dysfunctional homes, negative distraction of the environment, single parenting, etc. However, of all the problems existing I want to deal with one possible cause.

Some one defined education in this way: “Education is life. Education is living. Education is having the ability to adjust to one’s environment”.

Therefore, if we use this definition, our young people should be educated in such a way, in order to meet the needs of his or her environmental situation.

If the education they receive is really preparing them to meet the challenges of the environment, then why should employers complain of ‘O’ level students not being able to satisfactorily complete an application form? Why can’t they read, spell or express themselves appropriately in writing?

If the complaints mentioned above are true, then our educational system is definitely not meeting the needs of the environment in which the young people must live and strive.

It seems to me that we do not treat all our children “as acres of diamonds.”

If we did, then we as educators or educational planners will act as diamond cutters, shaping our diamonds in order to improve their market value. In other words, developing a programme that will ensure the completion of the educational journey for all children, so that in time they can become meaningful contributors to our society.

Just imagine, I was told that children are promoted because of their age and not because of knowledge or ability. If this is so, then we are certainly grooming a lot of frustrated young people.

Maybe that is why they are taking out their frustration on society.

COLVIN BLAIZE

colvinb@tstt.net.tt