Dear Editor,

The unfortunate events at Ascot Primary School have sparked an important national conversation about graduation ceremonies. However, it is concerning that some have responded by calling for graduations at the early childhood and primary levels to be abolished altogether and reserved only for high school graduates. This reaction misses the real issue.

The problem is not graduation ceremonies themselves. The problem is when they are used to exclude, discriminate against, or financially burden children and their families. The answer is not to eliminate these celebrations but to ensure they are conducted fairly, inclusively, and in the best interests of every child.

Every child has the right to dignity, equality, and participation. Completing early childhood education or primary school is a significant milestone that deserves recognition. These ceremonies foster confidence, celebrate perseverance, strengthen relationships between schools and families, and create lasting positive memories. Children should not lose these meaningful experiences because of the actions of one school.

Instead, the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information should establish clear national standards governing graduation ceremonies. This should include amending the Education Act to limit the broad discretionary powers currently granted to school boards over graduation practices. National guidelines should require costs to be affordable and transparent, prohibit schools from excluding or separating children based on academic performance, arbitrary grooming infractions, or a family’s financial contribution, and ensure that participation is never determined by a parent’s ability to pay. Whether students wear school uniforms or modest ceremonial attire, every child who has met the requirements for completion should be celebrated equally.

The lesson from Ascot Primary is not that graduation ceremonies have no place in Jamaica’s education system; rather, it is that every school celebration must uphold children’s rights, dignity, and inclusion. Instead of abolishing childhood milestones, let us reform the policies that govern them so that every child has the opportunity to celebrate his/her educational journey with pride.

Fi We Children Foundation (FWCF)

info@fiwechildren.org