Gordon Robinson | Old BC: Education is tolerance!

Fasten your seatbelts because The Old Ball and Chain is banging on about Jamaica’s children to which demographic she contributed three.

Old BC: No matter how hard I try with him Old Grey Balls insists on writing about political philosophy instead of how to create an educated citizen capable of devising his/her own philosophy. Our children’s education must be on top of every nation’s agenda.

Old GB: OK but why the concern now? Your three completed every stage of formal and informal education; at least two are scattered worldwide; all are doing well.

Old BC: Don’t be so narrow. Apart from wanting my boys back home and wanting to be with my grandchildren, I’ve national concerns. You aren’t the only one in this home with thoughts about how to reform Jamaica.

Old GB: Allrighty then….

Old BC: Education isn’t only book learning. It includes social skills; self-esteem; personal development; enhancement of each child’s unique skills (particularly those with special needs); problem solving; and character building. Leading by example is the most influential factor on a child’s personality. If a child sees bigotry, hatred and intolerance chances are he/she will develop those traits. We can’t quarrel with a child for beating someone if he sees you beating your wife. Most importantly politicians and leaders can’t have petty squabbles and raucous shouting matches in Parliament and expect a civil society. The main reason for domestic disputes leading to brutal crimes is those same learned characteristics. Impressionable children see and learn them. This leads to intolerance and an inability to deal with personal differences except by violence.

Old GB: So what has you so het up?

Old BC: I remember a year ago two young students were expelled because they kissed in school. I was shocked. Yes, maybe it wasn’t appropriate, not because it was two girls, but because no-one should be kissing at school. But to expel them is a gross disservice to them and Jamaica. It teaches them kissing is bad. It teaches them kissing is unforgivable. It teaches them shame. It teaches them intolerance.

Now there’s widespread shock and awe that an 11 year old boy is accused of sexually assaulting a female student. What did we expect? Nowhere are these children being taught tolerance. Consensual kissing brings humiliation.

Old GB: First off these aren’t new phenomena. These only made the news. Intolerance is the foundation of fundamentalist Christianity that promises parents and children fanaticism is the pathway to Heaven.

Old BC: Well, change that too. Jesus taught tolerance. Church should also be where you learn how to accept differences. When next you read about a husband killing a wife for cheating; a father disowning his child because of the child’s sexual orientation; a sister beating her brother because he didn’t give her a comb; whatever... Stop. Think! Did we encourage this? Society teaches children intolerance.

Old GB: So what should we be teaching them?

Old BC: Government must ensure schools teach life skills that create a healthy, peaceful society. Caring, practical ways of developing the whole child must be implemented, rather than only discussed, Too many studies. Too many reports. Stop talking. Save our children.

Old GB: What to do about deep-rooted poor parenting?

Old BC: We have to start somewhere. I congratulate those teachers who take time to show our children the way.

I saw on the news that a restaurant treated students to a meal while teaching them table manners. I read an article about Jimmy Moss-Solomon teaching children how to waltz. Nobody dances close together anymore. These simple things are life lessons that contribute positively to children’s social development and reduce conflict. Clubs like Red Cross and Cub Scouts teach compassion. Visits to old people’s homes; just the combing of an elder’s hair; it doesn’t take cash, it takes compassion to care.

Old GB: So we turn our restaurants into schools?

Old BC: No you Dummy! The great Russell Bell wouldn’t allow boys to enter or leave the classroom before girls. Little things cost nothing but go a far way! Specialist teachers should be trained to teach these life fundamentals. Long term objective should have these classes compulsory at every level.

Old GB: Did you read former Education Minister’s April 2024 Press Release? She announced Jamaica’s education philosophy is “under GOD”. So I guess non-Christians needn’t apply. According to her Release the philosophy blends “academic technical and vocational pursuits with values based teaching and life skills.”

Old BC: Sounds like another grand Government announcement. Is it actually in any curriculum? This needs implementation by qualified specialist teachers in all schools. Now!

Most importantly society’s leaders should lead by example. Our children are watching and mimicking.

Old GB: Yes dear. I’ll submit your application to become Education Minister to PM. Expect his call.

Peace and Love.

Gordon Robinson is an attorney-at-law. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com