Fearsome environments in rural communities and the education of the young

These couple of weeks we witnessed the fear and hysteria experienced by some children at Moruga Composite.  The education authorities have dismissed the incident but one of the teachers there cautioned that we require more explanation and understanding of the problem.  I am inclined to agree with him.

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The fear of the wild forest environment emanates from a belief in the activity of unknown spirits that can harm the unsuspecting.  The same type of stories was circulated in Cedros Composite a few years aback.

Cedros and Moruga have in common that they are deep rural communities.  The education facilities in these areas are few.  The general population is no less educated than the remainder of the country but the truth be told, many of the educated persons have migrated to the towns where there are jobs, cultural activities, libraries, and a regular supply of electricity, water, etc.

There are very few students who attended Cedros Composite or Moruga Composite or any other of the rural schools who have gained national scholarships.  The majority of the students attending these schools attained less than 80% at the entrance examinations.  The problem is worsened as while attending these schools they have lost valuable class time because of the lack of teachers, half days because of no water, and the disruptive activities of students whose learning disabilities are not being addressed. 

Now we have to add to the list of class time lost, the effects of food poisoning and the activities of malevolent spirits, or should we call this the power of suggestion in an atmosphere of fear?  In all of these instances we need to examine what exactly is the quality of education that these children are receiving.

Regarding the hysteria and fear, we have to include a proper environmental science programme to have these students appreciate the environment rather than fear and destroy it.