Build a moral, ethical future

EVERY Papua New Guinean should be concerned about ethical and moral issues affecting students and youths.
This will have an effect on future generations and how issues such as disrespect for authority, bad attitude and illegal practices can be addressed in a proactive and holistic manner to reform student behaviour.
With the introduction of cable and satellite television, smart-phones and internet, many young people including children, have instant access to pornography and violence of every kind and the most abominable practices and perversions of modern society.
Every parents’ mission should be aimed at reinforcing the courtesies and graciousness of polite etiquette, acceptable behaviour and conduct of a child or student.
Further, postmodernism has robbed young people’s ability to learn how to reason from cause to effect, to evaluate logically the likely consequences of choices, decisions, words and actions.
Educational programmes in ethics should be designed and implemented to complement the noble efforts of teachers who will play a vital role in their full implementation.
In order to accomplish these objectives, the collective support of all stakeholders including government, private sectors and donor agencies are vital.
The overall goal of this initiative will be to ensure that the moral and ethical values of honesty, respect and zero tolerance for gender based violence are instilled in the youths of today.
This would ensure the future of this country is safe, secure, and bright and more importantly the realisation of a ‘Smart, Wise, Fair, Happy and Healthy society’ country as envisioned in the Government’s Vision 2050.
The envisaged outcome is that these young people will become agents of change in their respective homes, schools and communities when NGO’s, churches, government and civil society play proactive roles in advocating, educating and mentoring children about having a good attitude and respect for self and others.
Also to impress upon their young minds the right virtues so they develop good leadership traits thus become proactive and responsible citizens in years to come.
The government’s development plans, including Vision 2050 and medium term development goals, can only be realised if future leaders in business, government and ordinary citizens are morally upright and people with unquestionable integrity, who will play an active role in shaping the society we want and move this country forward.
It is common knowledge that most problems affecting youths such as teen pregnancies, substance abuse, disrespect and contempt for school rules and regulations, including accessing pornography on mobile phones etc is prevalent country-wide.
It is a direct result of not addressing the root causes.
The fact that school fights, cult activities in schools continue unabated is all the more reason why the government should work in partnership with key state agencies such as the education department, planning and youth affairs to enhance positive change in mindset and attitude of students at an early age.
This would prevent physical and psychological trauma that are likely to be experienced as a result of the aforementioned and other related issues and ensure they are minimised and or eliminated.
The anticipated outcome is that once they reach adulthood they are able to utilise their intellect to promote selfless service within their respective communities and collectively contribute towards nation building.
When citizens are honest, trustworthy and have respect for self and others, the benefit to society at large is immense in terms of obeying and respecting rule of law and regulations such as paying taxes due to government and municipal authorities and respect for self, others, public utilities etc cannot be overemphasised.
Our homes, villages, towns and cities will be cleaner, healthier, safer and prosperous because young people will be able to make valid decisions and responsible choices.
This will not only add to the stability of their lives and the happiness of their future, but will also enable them to be a blessing to others only if each person takes personal responsibility for their actions.
The unlawful and illegal activities are now deeply entrenched not only in the National Capital District but in schools through-out the country.
This is a direct result of not addressing the root cause of these problems.
That is the absence and non-inclusion of ethics as a vital component and a core subject of the country’s school curriculum and education system. Therefore, ethics has to be a mandatory subject in all established schools in the country.

Ayoki Ervah,
Pom