Issue: Goalpost safety - Negligent residents endanger kids too

As the debate rages about goalpost safety and negligence on the part of school administrators, especially in light of the tragic loss of a third student, I want to add my two cents to a perspective that hasn't got much attention.

It seems that many Jamaicans are not willing to admit the difficulties some school administrations face regarding the use of school property by the community members.

I am affiliated with a certain school in east Kingston, and despite the complaints of the principals, the men in the community use the goalposts to play football daily, often leaving them in the schoolyard when they are done.

When school restarts the following morning, the misplaced goalposts are an accident waiting to happen. I say this to point out the fact that quite often it's the community members who are guilty of leaving these hazards in the schoolyard or play area after they have been stored away. The watchmen sometimes fear for their lives to confront these thugs, who are characterised by filthy mouths and mean demeanour.

I am aware that it's school administrators who are ultimately in charge, but there are obviously a lot of intervening factors at play that some persons don't want to admit. In most communities, school green spaces provide a dual role as a play area for the community.

The community makes or breaks the school, especially if it's a government-aided school or in a low-income area. The best solution is to try to mobilise the community members to realise that they have a role to play in keeping the school environment safe as their very own children might be students of the school. How easy or difficult that may be is the greatest challenge.

JANET K