Dennis Minott | Nurturing young minds

As a widowed father of five, raised by a single father himself, I find myself deeply invested in the unfolding Jamaican saga involving Dante Dacres and his mother, Paula Richards.

Lascelve Graham’s insightful commentary in The Gleaner of July 20, following in the article by ‘Wolmers-Princeling’ Claude Mills titled ‘Mother complains that gifted footballer son ‘abducted’ by prominent high school’ published in Daily Observer of July 15 has shed light on the challenges faced by single parents like Ms Richards and the needed delicate balance between sports and education in our society.

Drawing from my own experiences as a single parent, scientist, A-QuEST educator/coach, and former athlete, I feel compelled to share my perspective on the matter. First and foremost, I commend Ms Richards for her courageous stance in protecting her son’s future. As a single parent who has raised five siblings, I have understood the tremendous responsibility and love that comes with such a role. Parental authority is essential in guiding children towards a path that aligns with their best interests and values.

Just as my beloved late father, the poor and righteous church elder Herbie Minott, brooked no pickney disobedience or undue interference wid fi im pickney dem, I firmly believe that parents have the first right to make decisions in the best interest of their children. Moreover, I can empathise with Dante’s situation as a gifted academic and athlete. Like him, I was a high-achieving student with a passion for STEM subjects and modern languages.

I attended Kingston College (KC), where I was enabled to excel not only in academics, but also in sports and public-spiritedness. Balancing these pursuits was challenging, but KC taught me valuable life skills ,such as time management, discipline, and leadership.

WELL-ROUNDED EDUCATION

The importance of a well-rounded education cannot be overstated. It is heartening to see Dante’s mother, like Father Abraham’s, Mother Sarai, standing firm against attempts to lure him away from his current school. The education system should prioritise the holistic development of students, nurturing their academic, athletic, and character-building needs.

As I raised my five children, I strived to provide them with the best opportunities for growth and success. I am immensely proud that they have all pursued higher education, with the adult ones already achieving graduate-level education from esteemed institutions like Cornell, MIT, and Yale. Each of them has embarked on their unique paths and brought joy to my life as a proud grandfather.

The support and guidance provided by parents cannot be replaced by any other, likely narrow and narcissistic, manifestations.

Educational institutions should respect and involve parents in shaping their children’s future. While sports can be a valuable aspect of a student’s life, it should not overshadow the primary purpose of education – to foster well-rounded individuals who contribute positively to society.

In light of the challenges faced by single-parent families, schools should act as allies, supporting parents in the socialisation and upbringing of their children.

WANT THE BEST

Parents like Ms Richards and myself want the best for our children, and it is disheartening to see that the pursuit of athletic success can sometimes lead to decisions that may not align with a child’s overall growth. Ultimately, the Jamaican education system needs to strike a balance between academics and sports. The goal should be to develop students who excel in both areas and understand the importance of sportsmanship, teamwork, and fair play.

Schools can serve as hubs for fostering well-rounded individuals, irrespective of their academic or athletic abilities.

Here’s the thing. This unfolding Jamaican saga involving Dante Dacres and his mother, in these scorching times, has sent me calling for popcorn, hot butter, and a very cool glass of my daughters’ otaheite mountain apple juice, even as it so poignantly highlights the significance of parental authority and the need for a balanced approach to education. I stand in solidarity with parents like Ms Richards, who advocate for their children’s well-being and future.

Let us strive to create a nurturing educational environment that empowers all students to thrive academically and athletically, guided by the unwavering support of their parents and educators alike.

POSTSCRIPT

The undeniably empathic Minister of Education Fayval Williams is now looking at TVET matters in Israel. No doubt, her Israeli host minister and fellow study tourists colleagues are in the mood to have their brains picked.

How would her insightful touring colleagues react ministerially if faced with a similar ‘hypothetical’ Dante Dacres, his schools, and his mother’s situation?

Dennis A Minott, PhD, nicknamed ‘Father Abraham’ in some circles, is a renewable energy specialist and worked in the oil and energy sector. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.