The Editor, Sir:

I believe if the social climate in Jamaica is changed, many of the negative things happening in the country would cease.

First, young people in secondary schools must see the possibility of getting jobs or being trained to create jobs for themselves that will give them a reasonable pay or returns when they leave school. This will motivate them to apply themselves to their lessons. Too many youths are just wasting their time at school and give behavioural problems instead of working towards achieving something by which to make their living when they leave school.

Second, the amount of time teachers have to spend dealing with behavioural problems in school is seriously cutting into lesson time and time that should be spent teaching the children to be good citizens. To compound the situation, the Ministry of Education has effectively taken out of the teachers' and principals' hands, all measures that they could use to discipline the children.

Third, those youths who spend their time to beat the books and come out of school with some sort of qualification cannot get anything to do, or if they do get something, the remuneration is so small it is almost giving free labour.

I cannot say I have the answer as to how we would bring about this climate of change in the country, but there is a need for change. Our political leaders will have to lead by example. Those of us who claim to be Christians will have to get out from within the confines of our sanctuaries and go among the unconverted and compel them to change their ways.

I am, etc.,

LOIS BRYCE

Falmouth

Trelawny