Past generation must teach current

Ronald Jones, Minister of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, believes that the past generation has denied the current generation the opportunity to develop the positive attitudes and values that they were taught growing up.

Jones’ comment came as he delivered his remarks during a speech day ceremony last week.

“We have denied our children the correct attitudes, so don’t blame them; blame us, blame we,” he said.

He explained that he made the proclamation because he has seen many people forego teaching their children certain things because they did not want their children to suffer much in the way they suffered growing up. He noted that whether some parents or guardians may think that they are doing the best for the child, they are actually denying the children the opportunity to develop these important core values.

“We must change. Yes, I understand not wanting our children to suffer, but there are values of the past that are important to the current time,” he said.

He went on to say that it is his wish to see young people nurtured in an environment that aims to foster good attitudes that will transform them into better human beings. For this to happen, Jones advised students to be weary and careful of what kind of music they listen to, as he came to realise that much of the current music they listen to “is so much rubbish”. He reminded students that “we are what we take in, not only food, but what goes into our minds”.

Additionally, Jones reminded students that success is not a moment that happens in your life journey, rather it should be viewed as a total journey. He encouraged students to strive to adopt positive attitudes, as the right attitude will carry them to successes in life.

The Minister also urged students to recognise that teachers are a gift to humanity. He explained that even though they do not make much, they still give 110 per cent to making sure that students are able to gain a beneficial education.