A video showing a dispute between two students at a secondary school in San Fernando has gone viral on social media after one of the students was struck on the head with a bat.
In the video, the student who was struck on the head is seen arguing with another student while brandishing a scissors in his hand while the other student holds the bat.
After waving around the scissors, the student is struck by the student with the bat who apparently felt threatened.
When contacted, president of T&T Unified Teachers Association Davanan Sinanan said he was not aware of the video but said he hoped next year the Education Minister Anthony Garcia would keep his promise and hold consultations with all stakeholders about school violence.
“Anything can be turned into a weapon and it depends on the disposition of the individual, it underscores the intolerance of young people. It seems to be an integral part of their socialisation. The school is now faced with the incredible task of treating with the symptoms of this deeper problem,” he said.
Sinanan said stakeholders needed to review the role of the school, education and teachers.
“Violence is only one part of our reality and we are living in a very violent society and we have to reconfigure education and the level of violence.”
Sinanan said the consultation would deliver and bring tangible reform.
“We need to de-emphasise on academics and focus on the holistic development of the human beings on this issue of school violence. Unfortunately we are letting the negative elements raise the child,” he said.
He said technical vocation was an integral element in the schools which assisted in their development.
“That will help them belong in school and find a curriculum they can identify with,” he said. Lana Boodoo-Maharaj, founder of Stop the Bullying, said one of the students could have been killed during the argument.
“Bullying is creating havoc in our schools. It’s unbelievable that child could have killed him with that blow to the head. I hope the Minister of Education put police and army in our schools and let police be on the streets when school is dismissed.” Boodoo-Maharaj said this problem had been ongoing for far too long and all stakeholders involved in education should make this their first priority for 2016.
“If nothing is done to stop bullying and other crimes in our schools soon, our schools will be a war zone and the jails will overflow. Our children are the future. What future are we as parents and citizens seeing for them? I am begging those in authority to step up to the table and take charge of this situation, and for parents to be parents once more to their children,” she said.
Attempts made to contact Education Minister Anthony Garcia proved futile yesterday.