School is for learning

SCHOOL is not a catwalk for fashion, a kitchen to take knives, or a shooting range to take guns.

School is a place for learning.

This reminder came from Reverend Davidson Bowen, as he delivered the sermon at the Barbados Boy Scouts Association, at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex Wildey Gymnasium, on Sunday.

It was there that Reverend Bowen said that if children are not taught the values of life, such as the need to love God and do what is right, Barbados stands to lose an entire generation.

“It is time for us to take our heads out of the sand and realise that we are moving in that direction and we need to stop. Let us encourage our children, let us instil in them the things that would make good productive men and women, men and women that we can be proud of,” he said.

The Anglican priest told the scouts and cubs of a story of a conversation between a pencil and a pencil maker. He recalled that the pencil maker told the pencil to never forget his maker and he would become the best pencil possible.

“The first thing is to remember that you will be able to do many great things, but only when you put yourself in the hands of the right person, God is that person. From time to time, you will experience a painful sharpening, but remember that this will make you a better pencil.

“Also, keep in mind that you will be able to correct some mistakes, you make along the way. But the most important part of you is what is on the inside. Remember as well, upon ever surface that you are used, you must leave your mark.”

“No matter what else happens, you must leave your mark. Cubs, scouts, seek ye first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you, Amen,” he said.

In attendance at the service was Patron of the Boy Scouts Association, Governor General of Barbados Dame Sandra Mason. President and Chief Scout, Chief Justice of Barbados, Sir Marston Gibson was also present.

A number of Scouts received awards for their outstanding achievements and accomplishments over the past year. (AH)

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