CRIME IS a business for young males who do not have regular jobs. One root cause is that 25 per cent of the 15-24 male age group are not 'functionally literate' according to the most recent JAMAL Survey. Illiteracy limits these young men to occasional common labour jobs and illegal activities.
HEART does not accept illiterate applicants. Further, a police record excludes them from the possibility of government employment or employment by large firms. Whether the resulting hopelessness leads to violence is scarcely moot.
The Ministry of Education should be asking itself "What did this critical 25 per cent learn in school?" "Cannot those in jail or remand be taught how to read and write?" Cannot the Labour Ministry help find jobs for them after they are out?
