The domino effect of poor education

THE EDITOR: With our murder total surpassing 500 and still counting, one must wonder where did we go wrong? The current problems we face as a nation partially stem from each citizen not being given the same educational chance.

Yes, there are other factors that may or may not impact one’s destiny and output but education is a global tool that has been proven extremely effective for countries that place emphasis on it.

For example, Japan and Singapore have a proven track record of top education and low crime. What if every school was a “Naparima or Convent” from primary school? Each child, regardless of demographics, race or wealth, would have at least been exposed to the critical thinking and educational elements necessary for survival.

A child from Morvant would have the same privilege to the same high-quality education as a child from Westmoorings. By doing this, we as a nation would level the educational playing field in an effort to avoid failure.

By not facing the deficiencies in the our education system, we are failing to address the societal downfall currently facing our nation. How does this impact you?

We have a generation of frustrated youths who the education system has failed and as a result their frustrations play out every day to the average citizen like you and I.

Trinidad has become a hunting ground with angry illiterates preying on the nation. I say illiterates (uneducated) because no one with a proper education would choose a life of crime and the consequences associated with that choice. To an educated person, a life in jail or death appears as ridiculous as it sounds.

Studies have shown there is a direct correlation between crime and poverty. By fighting poverty with education, we can as a nation reduce our crime. Can you imagine for one second not being able to provide food for your family? Can you imagine the basic necessities of everyday living being unreachable?

Instead of building boardwalks and making unnecessary investments, why don’t we provide solutions to our issues as a nation.

MICHELLE DYMALLY DAVIS, Cedros