Civics Education Helps Alleviate Corruption

'The Fight Against Corruption Begins With You'

Student representatives of 26 secondary schools islandwide last Friday engaged in activities in celebration of International Anti-Corruption Day.

The Office of the Contractor General (OCG), hosted a youth symposium under the theme: 'The Fight against Corruption Begins with You'.

Students were given a chance to directly quiz panellists on corruption-related issues facing the country at the event held at the Jamaica Conference Centre, downtown Kingston.

Panel Members

Members of the panel were Dirk Harrison, contractor general; Paula Llewellyn, director of public prosecution (DPP); Imani Duncan-Price, former senator; Omar Hawthorne, lecturer and Diahann Gordon Harrison, children's advocate.

Some student participants cited the failure of the government to curb the widespread practice of corruption.

"Public education is critical. Reintroduce civics and teach from a tender age what it means to be a good citizen", Llewellyn told The Gleaner as potential steps towards eradicating corruption.

She further added: "I think a programme like this is excellent. The youth are the future of the country, so it's in their minds that we have to plant the seed, water it and make the concept of transparency and honesty fundamental. Take this initiative islandwide and marry it to the teaching of civics."

Dean of Discipline of St Mary Technical along with Harrison placed the popular 'Informa fi dead', culture to the sword. The dean said to thunderous applause that it's quite the opposite and 'Informa fi live'.

This article stresses the point that the nurturing of a child starts how they were brought up and trained. With the school being an agent of socialization and the place where students learns the necessary skills for development it is necessary that proper values and attitudes be taught to students. Students should see the importance of being positive role models to society and be one who emulates good moral attitudes. Hence with civics education all that is necessary for a child growth and development is taught to children.
Contributor:  Renae Simpson