President of the National Parent Teacher Association, Walter Stewart, appeared on TV6's Morning Edition where he spoke about the reopening of schools across the country and also addressed the presence of police officers in some schools.
00:00From all indications, everything is go with regards to school repairs, school readiness, school preparedness.
00:07Our information is that there were 271 schools under repairs during Java, July-August vacation,
00:14and another 169 schools under emergency repair works.
00:18President of the National Parent Teacher Association, Walter Stewart,
00:21gave details on the reopening of schools across the country, and especially those under repair.
00:26And while repairs haven't been fully completed at 26 schools,
00:30Mr. Stewart confirmed that there will be no hindrance to operations at those schools.
00:35He also explained the significance of the readiness of the country's schools and praised the education minister and his team.
00:41This is significant because you are correct.
00:43Perennially, we have been here badgering, talking about school repairs and the readiness and preparedness of our schools for the academic year.
00:51And this year has been a defining moment in history for our schools.
00:55With the number of repairs won and the time that the schools have been ready for the start of the academic year.
01:04Hats off then to the minister and, of course, his team for such a Herculean task. Well done.
01:10The NPTA president also addressed the presence of police officers at selected schools.
01:14And while he understands why some officers are set to be armed,
01:17Stewart is asking on behalf of parents that those officers take extra caution in doing their duties.
01:23Of course, we want to caution that even if you are going armed, ensure that the ammunition is well concealed during the process of your operations.
01:32And we understand that Mr. Benjamin Coe is a tool of trade, obviously, because, you know, police officers by and large are supposed to be armed.
01:40We understand that philosophy.
01:42But, of course, we also have a concern with regards to the perception of our students, our students and our criminals in any way.
01:49We don't have a history in our schools of school violence within the doors of the school.
01:55But, of course, we understand that if there is to be any untoward situation, there is need for immediate response by the law enforcement.
02:04So there is where, of course, we have to now give some leeway with regards to that.
02:07While the NPTA is concerned about the perception and stigma attached to the presence of officers in some schools,
02:13as well as the potential stress it may cause to both students and teachers,
02:18Stewart did confirm his organization's support for the idea,
02:21but noted that it is not a permanent solution and that they will be keeping an eye on how it works.
02:27So what we applaud, we endorse this initiative by the TGPS and, of course, the MOE on this particular matter as a temporary mechanism.
02:36Know the word temporary because nobody wants to see a police officer in your schools ad infinitum, certainly.
02:42So that we are going to be monitoring it on almost a weekly basis, a monthly basis to see the level of progress.
02:48And we expect progress in quick order when it comes to school violence and school indiscipline.
Be the first to comment