Minister acknowledges efforts to address behavioural issues at Hopewell High

By Kimone Witter    

 

Education Minister Dr. Dana Morris Dixon has acknowledged the efforts of teachers at Hopewell High School in Hanover to address behavioural challenges among students.

 

Dr. Morris Dixon says despite the negative picture painted of the institution in the wake of a viral video depicting bullying, educators have been working hard to reach students.

 

But she accepts that more needs to be done to instil discipline at the school and re-socialise students. 

 

"I think we need to celebrate those teachers for what they're doing, and celebrate the students that are there that are really trying against the odds to make something of their life. So...there are many tales there in the school. Yes, it has behavioural challenges. We can understand because of where the children are coming from, and the difficulties they have, many of them with learning challenges. And then also, though, despite that, many of them are still excelling and reaching to heights that many would never have thought they would."

 

The Education Minister insisted there are many students at the school who "can be really great contributors to the development of our country". 

 

She was speaking while on a recent tour of the institution following the physical assault of a 15-year-old boy by three other male students.

 

The boys have been arrested in connection with the incident. The police say they are searching for other suspects.

 

In the video, the 15-year-old is seen being hit in the face, kicked and beaten all over his body.