School leavers urged not to lose hope

Secondary school leavers are being warned that they may not secure a job immediately after school.

The teenagers are, however, being warned to avoid the blocks, and their parents are being urged to hold strain and persevere until they find gainful employment.

Chairman of St George Secondary School, Senator Reverend Canon Dr John Rogers, gave that advice as he delivered the feature address during the school’s graduation ceremony on Tuesday.

“All that you’ve been nurtured here at St George Secondary, you will now have to use in the world that is waiting for you. You will have to summon that perseverance that has brought you to this point because September is different from any other September you have had before.

“Some of you may be going to other institutions. Some of you may get jobs. Some of you won’t. That is the time when you must sum up all the strength that has brought the growth that you’ve achieved to this point. You will need it because in as much as many opportunities are awaiting you out there in the world, there are many dangers as well,” Rogers said.

He said crime and violence, and bad influences were among those dangers.

“You sit here today as 15 or 16-year-olds but just two or three years ago, there were young, bright faces like yourselves, celebrating graduations.

“Those are now the ones who are terrorising our society. And misery loves company. So, when you get out, make sure to remember what brought you to this point.

“Do not give in. You may not be able to see any light at the end of the tunnel, but be strong. When you lose hope and despondency set in, it gives space for the negative things to happen and destroy the growth that you’ve

achieved,” Rogers said.

He also urged parents to ensure that they offer their children more support and not to kick them out of the house too quickly.

“Parents, please do not rush your children out of the house. Take care of them for a little longer. Give them a chance to develop a little more.

“Give them the space so that they do not feel uncomfortable at home. Because that is a lot of the problem why people end up on the blocks, because they’re uncomfortable at home,” he added.

Grow Through What You Go Through was the theme of the graduation ceremony and several students were awarded for their hard work and dedication.

Minister of Educational Transformation Chad Blackman, who delivered the closing remarks, congratulated the graduating class members on their success.

He also applauded principal Dennis Browne, the staff and parents for their assistance in improving the school’s image.

“Years ago, whenever you heard the name St George, it was associated with several different things and not always pleasant. I am pleased with the progress that you have made.

“What you’ve been able to do is inspire a generation of young people who, based on what I’ve seen and heard before, this class and school will help to transform Barbados,” Blackman said. (TG)

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