School gang delinquency needs multi-sectoral approach

Jan 08, 2013 News

– Chief Education Officer

By Rabindra Rooplall
A multi-sectoral approach is needed to address the issue of gang-related delinquency in schools, according to Chief Education Officer, Olato Sam.
He said that during a recent meeting it was noted that there is need to expand the role of guidance counsellors in the school system.
“The work that guidance counsellors have done to date has certainly borne fruit, and we have seen the impact in particular schools they have been posted at, and we want to expand that.”

Chief Education Officer Olato Sam

Underscoring that the issues of student behaviour have to be addressed nationally, the Chief Education Officer said the Ministry of Education alone cannot face the challenge and be successful.
He explained that such issues require parental involvement and partnerships with the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, and in some instances the Ministry of Home Affairs, to assist the Education Ministry in doing a range of things necessary to address the issue of gang-related delinquency in schools.
It was further disclosed that the Education Ministry has a mentorship programme in schools in various regions that is helping students receive more of the professional guidance that they need to have a positive school experience.
“We want to expand that significantly, so more students can access that mentorship that they need. The school welfare unit is constantly advertising and recruiting persons.”
Experts say that the breakdown of the family and poor parenting are identified as two of the chief contributors to the formation of youth gangs and gang-related activities.
“We need to topple the myth that gangs are families,” one welfare officer noted. “Gangs are not families and cannot substitute for the supportive environment provided by a good family.”
Further, it was pointed out that the issues of gangs in school are not only limited to Guyana, and that the Ministry has been in consultations with other agencies with the aim of combating the issue.
“We have been working with a number of schools, teaching children how to deal with abuse, and our teachers on how to recognize it. We also have systems in place for social workers, welfare officers and parents.”