Minister of Education Nigel Carty, noted that over the last year his ministry acted quickly to increase the complement of primary school guidance counsellors to assist schools in directly addressing the identifiable psycho-social problems of students. 

“Our Peace Promotion Programme will be improved upon in the ensuing year. We will continue the implementation of our UNICEF-sponsored Violence Prevention project which involves training of teachers, assessment of schools, putting into effect specific policies to address anti-social behaviour, and an evaluation of the targeted outcomes,” said Minister Carty. 

Carty also  mentioned the development of a school curriculum to promote peace, legislation to promote and regulate anti-social behaviour and parental responsibility, advocate for the development of Teen Courts as an alternative justice programme, and further investigate the subject matter of drug-testing in schools, among other significant recommendations. 

He said the plans and priorities of the Ministry of Education and Information are designed to make a real difference in the lives of teachers and students, to enhance the prospects of students in school and beyond, and to change the socio-economic landscape of the country for the better. 

In a broad sense, the government’s objectives for 2012 are to improve the morale and professionalism of the teaching force, improve the relevance of the academic, social and technical training of students in an enhanced setting, and efficiently manage the resources allocated to their charge, supported by monitoring and evaluative tools and exercises.