Dear Editor,

I agree with minister of education Andrew Holness who is advocating that parents who refuse to send their children to school should be arrested and charged.

But I beg to differ in some ways because there are many issues that need to be sorted out with regard to our education system and the present state of the Jamaican economy. Many parents are having a hard time trying to make ends meet. While the minister called on parents to be more resourceful and consistent in ensuring that their children attend school, perhaps the Government should introduce compulsory education.

Compulsory education is in place in many countries. Some countries differ in the length of time that they require each youngster to receive State-approved education. While some economists and libertarians over the years have argued that compulsory education takes up a great deal of a child’s time and is imposed on them without their consent, or with regard to their own interests. I believe Jamaica will certainly benefit if compulsory education can be introduced.

While Mr Holness has argued that poverty would no longer be accepted as a reason for a child not attending school, and that adults in charge could face penalties under the Education Act and the Child Care and Protection Act, I believe that poverty is one of the main hindrances to many students not attending school regularly.

Poverty and illiteracy go hand-in-hand. Therefore, there must be an intervention. Mr Holness also mentions that he is considering certain areas declared compulsory attendance zones under the Education Act. If I am thinking correctly, then I assume that if he does, he should introduce it to the entire country.

Nonetheless, compulsory education is regarded by its critics in other countries as conflicting with individual liberty. Jamaica’s education system is improving to some extent, and it takes supportive parents, an education minister with a vision, caring and qualified teachers who can deliver, students who are willing to learn, a private sector that is able to assist and a government willing to invest in education in order for us to compete in a global economy. Education is freedom to excel.

Charlie Brown

Charliebrown1004@hotmail.com