How can we locate the missing students?

THE EDITOR, Madam:

In The Gleaner article published on Sunday, May 29, it was reported that 27,000 students are still missing from classrooms. This report had me thinking, do we need a special squad consisting of social workers, police, and other government personnel to locate these missing students?

It is reported that some of the male students have already taken on employment opportunities. I can understand that they are gaining an income, which sometimes contribute to their parents’ financial needs. However, it is also important for them to garner the requisite numeracy and literacy skills to function in the 21st century.

It is my opinion that:

• A database should be created to capture the relevant details of these students; the efforts that are being made by the authorities; strategies used to locate them as well as future plans to locate them. This requires urgency if not already established.

• Parents should be held accountable for their children’s education. It cannot be left on the Ministry of Education, and other government stakeholders to carry out this task.

• Communities should get involved, especially if they observe school-age children are at home or unengaged during school hours.

I am very concerned because our students need to complete their education, and according to Elin Nordegren, “Education is one thing no one can take away from you.”

OLGA MORGAN