By Kisean Joseph
Youth violence has become an increasingly pressing issue in communities across the country.
From schoolyard bullying to gang-related crimes, the impact of violent behaviour among young people remains prevalent in families, educational institutions, and society at large.
Clare Browne, Director of Education, when asked about the growing culture of youth violence amid the advent of the new academic year, said, “When we have one deviant young person, or two or three, and we leave them, they can destroy an entire society. What is happening now is everybody’s business.”
He continued, “I will say to parents that you have to begin to give your children certain responsibilities so that they can develop leadership skills, they’re able to develop independence, and all those other good things that will help them to be young people.”
Browne said the nation continued to grapple with youth violence “as we see more and more the emergence of gangs in society, in our schools”.
“We continue to talk about ways that we are going to be able to come back to change, to show young people a more excellent way. And this can only be done through a whole society approach,” he asserted.
Speaking from a workshop hosted by the government for senior educators, their deputies and other professionals, Browne said, “We have to provide purpose for our young people.”
Browne discussed the idea of extending the school day to keep young people engaged while parents are still at work, not necessarily involving academic activities but providing more opportunities for holistic development and a well-rounded education, with the involvement of the Department of Culture and other groups.
“This is not a one-off conversation. We continue to talk. We continue to wrestle with this,” he told Observer.
Browne said no one would be left behind in this mission to redirect the nation’s youth.
“We have a counselling unit that is working on developing a programme so that we can help our young persons in schools, those persons that we have within our direct control,” he explained.
Browne said much time had been spent in the education system focusing on positive behaviour, along with training for teachers and parents.
“We have invested a lot of time and money assisted by UNICEF and other organisations to focus on positive behaviour management.
“We have been practicing in our schools and as part of ensuring that our schools are safe, we have been practicing all the tenets of positive behaviour management.
“Some of our young people, a small number, would have lost their way, and we have to get them back on the right path. And the only way we’re going to do it is if we don’t give up on them.
“If we continue by our example to show them, by our language, by our actions, by the things we say, the things we do, the places we go, if we by our actions show them a more excellent way, half of it is covered,” he added.
While the challenges of youth gang violence are prevalent, there is reason for hope.
Across the nation, communities are adopting comprehensive strategies that go beyond education to address the root causes of gang involvement.
These holistic approaches recognise that every child deserves a chance to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances.
In Antigua, innovative programmes are coming on-stream championed by the Ministry of Education. Combining early intervention in schools, after-school activities, job training, and family support services, it is hoped these initiatives will help steer youngsters away from gang life.
