NPTA wishes for crime reduction in new year

The National Parent/Teacher Association (NPTA) has an extensive wish-list for the new year. Topping the list for NPTA’s president Zena Ramatali was to witness a reduction in crime. Ramatali said many of the social ills plaguing society were due to the lack of programmes for young people, especially males.

She said this was one of the reasons young people were turning to a life of crime. In an interview yesterday, Ramatali said: “We want to see a reduction in crime and see the implementation of the strategies announced by the Prime Minister as they relate to crime. “We want to see national programmes for fathers on TV, radio and in the newspaper... and also have specific programmes to address boys in the education system.”

She said there were issues such as anger management and conflict resolution in schools. Increased support for families and those who lost loved ones as a result of crime were other areas on the NPTA’s 2011 wish-list. A resurgence of agriculture in schools to raise awareness among students was another wish. Ramatali said students needed to be taught how to grow food and learn about food security.
“We need more meaningful attention paid to abused and neglected children in the country.

Among its other wishes were for a renewed commitment and more meaningful participation by principals to support Parent/Teacher Associations in schools across the country and a collaborative effort between parents’ support and the Government.