The staff and pupils of the Upper Guaico RC School recently held a “March Against Crime” the aim of which was to highlight the negative effects of crime in our country.

This march was the culmination of a week of activity during which pupils focussed on the different types of crime being committed on a daily basis in our country.

During that particular week, pupils brought in clippings about various types of crime including kidnapping and murder. These were mounted on a board along the corridor. At the assembly, various persons related their personal experiences with crime and how it still affects their family.

The pupils gave up their snack money during this week. The collection was given to a needy family in the area. All classes prepared placards in preparation for the march and also brought in candles during the week.

On Friday, which was also declared a day of prayer and fasting, pupils assembled at the school armed with their candles.

As they proceeded through the village, they chanted, sang jingles and prayed aloud. The villagers all came out to see the march and complimented the children.

At the church, (Church of the Visitation) choruses were sung and an opening prayer was recited. Two teachers, Adrian Garcia and Omela Baboolal, did a dramatic presentation entitled “Conflict Resolution”. Pupils were shown what is meant by conflict, what causes conflict and strategies for resolving conflict.

At the end of the presentation, there was an open discussion where questions were asked. Intercessory prayers were composed by the pupils of the Standard Four class. The Rosary of Liberation was then prayed.

Before each decade, a newspaper article highlighting a particular crime was read by the principal. The Rosary ended with the singing of Let There be Peace On Earth. A calypso entitled Murder was sung by a Standard Five pupil, Candice Brathwaite.

This event was enjoyed by pupils and teachers alike. The pupils are eagerly awaiting the next march. We thank God for the beautiful weather that day and for those who came out.

We thank him for the opportunity to unite towards one common goal – that of increasing in our charges, an appreciation for the sanctity of human life.