This article highlights the importance of encouraging students to attend school daily.
Many students from the ALHCS can be found on a daily basis loitering on the Ronald Webster Park and on the street during school hours.

Erica Richardson

I have had the opportunity to meet with most of these students and their parents on numerous occasions. There are various reasons why they prefer to go to the park instead of heading straight to school. Different agencies are addressing some of these issues.
However, these students are missing out on a valuable part of their education and positive personal development. The results can be detrimental to us all.
It may seem to be insignificant presently, but the reality of it all is that they are not receiving the education and skills needed to prepare them for the future and they will not be competent to fit in the workplace. How will they earn a living? This is something for all of us to reflect on.

Some people are eager to say, “Thank God they are not my children,” but these children are part of our environment and interact with us and our children, therefore we ought to see them as our children.

It is our business to ensure that Anguilla remains a safe place for us and visitors alike. To do so we all should play a part by encouraging these students who are in need of a kind word along the way. We should ensure that they know we do care.
When you see children loitering on the park or elsewhere during school hours, encourage them to report to school. Tell them that it is in their best interest to do so.
When you speak to a child, please do so with compassion. Children are sensitive and can detect negativity easily.

If you are rejected or verbally abused by these students, do not take it personal. Remember that these students have several issues to deal with beyond your wildest imagination.

Let us work together to save the youth of Anguilla. A kind word goes a long way!

If you can support us further on this initiative, please feel free to contact Erica Richardson, Education Welfare Officer at 497-5403.

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