DEAR EDITOR: When it comes to future leaders, we the parents and teachers have a committed role in setting the foundation for our children during their course of study in our public, Catholic and denominational schools.

How often do we witness a young student reading an educational book on the Brian Lara Promenade, PTSC bus, maxi-taxi or taxis? It is high time we join forces and reinstate a smile of comfort to the children who are bent on losing their respect for law and order and their decent elders.

They don't give a greeting to one another such as “good morning”, “good afternoon”, “good night” or simply say “Have a nice day”! Somehow they seem to be faced with a system that does not appear to be too environment friendly.

Going to school ought to be challenging and a learning experience of fun. The hard work, effort and vigour you put into your school years will be beneficial naturally in the future. Constant reading is crucial and it sets the brain as a computer.

Some young people are putting their talents to the wrong path and viewing too much television. All teachers, especially in the primary and secondary schools should take a leaf from the pages of the “old school” teachers.

Modern day teachers must not be afraid of the students. We need teachers the like of Sidney Poitier in the movie To Sir with Love. Since there is no corporal punishment, there are better methods in setting the unruly students who can become the best engineer, lawyer or doctor. In this blessed land full of new buildings and money, teachers ought to use their salaries wisely.

They too have families to upkeep but money is not all. They must communicate with the parents not only for financial contributions or to give reports of bad conduct but to keep a track of each child's performance.

In the teaching profession learning never stops and teachers who miss time in school should endeavour to compensate for their absence for the sake of the children. Realistically, children left unattended become restless, agitated and carefree.

It would be unfair to students to take final exams when the syllabus is incomplete through no fault of their own. The new Minister of Education, Esther Le Gendre, the School Supervisors and the permanent secretaries must pay attention to the crucial and urgent matter of teacher absenteeism. Future leaders can rise from any school. And it's up to the teachers especially in the public education system to cooperate wholeheartedly.

Finally, proper maintenance of the school building and respect for school property must be seriously enforced. It is important that the Ministry of Education seek to conduct a series of refurbishments and re-instill a sense of responsibility in the students who are faced with broken chairs, shaky desks, unclean surroundings, pigeons or bees, poor lighting system and non-functional toilets.

We talk so much of national pride especially on Independence Day, but we need to always minister to the problems of the students who I am sure will feel a greater sense of pride not only for their school but for country.
Gregory Neptune, Port of Spain

Help the less-fortunate and show that you care,
Giving copiously to the hungry when you share.
Don't turn a blind eye to your fellow man
Always show love and respect and lend a helping hand

Greet your neighbour genuinely, say have a God-blessed day,
Don't pretend not to see and go your merry way.
God is watching you in everything you do.
Follow the laws of the Lord as he taught you to.

Refrain from gossip and committing crime,
Instead attend holy Mass and praise God all the time.
Heavenly God gives you peace of mind, heart and soul
He blesses you generously when your love unfolds.