lack of security at the nation’s schools. They were shocked to hear that a student was robbed of his smartphone on the premises of his school.

The representatives pointed out that this robbery has made it clear that officials must urgently address the school security issue. The youth organizations plead for more serious and more structural measures aimed at better protecting students as well as teachers at and near schools. One of the ways to provide security is to have police units patrol the areas where the schools are located before, during and after school hours.

Another problem is that youths have gotten into fights with each other and that these fights took place multiple times last school year before and after school. There are also cases of students being assaulted and robbed. Youth Counselors Dwight Samuel and Anouskha Plet pointed out that the situation is alarming and that the focus should be on prevention and surveillance. Plet also point d out that the minister of Justice and Police recently announced that there would be more police patrols around the schools. “I have hardly noticed any difference,” said Plet who added that it is necessary for the police to be visible before and after school. Plet would also like the government to deploy at least one soldier at each school.

Samuel emphasized the importance of regular inspections of backpacks and parental supervision at home. He urged the nation’s youths to refrain from behaving tough and to focus on improving their performance at school instead. The youth counselors urged the minister of Justice and Police and the minister of Education to collaborate more closely. They explained that awareness campaigns about violence and its consequences should start in the early stages of the education system namely in kindergarten could make wise choices later in life. The youth counselors also believe that children who have committed a crime should receive counseling instead of just being given a slap on the wrist. They made it clear that investing in security and counseling of youths is essential for the future of the country.