Control cult activities, violence in high schools

 THE on-going cult activities in secondary  schools is a concern for all stakeholders and I commended the current efforts put in place to curb the increased school  violence, but sadly to say all efforts put forth have made minimal progress so far. 

During my era, annual school sport carnival was the main avenue where violence erupts and it always involved Bugandi with another high school.

When Bugandi took on the status of secondary high school in 1996, it changes everything because its entire first intake comprises of students from all high schools in the city and Morobe provinces which provided a neutral environment in Bugandi for all to live and study. 

Year 1998, was a significant period because that was when both grade 11 and 12 comprised of intakes from all other high schools including Bugandi.

This neutralised violence in schools because students were able to mingle and establish relationship amongst themselves. 

Some of the current cult groups today were established, namely Family and Wafu, but served totally different purposes. 

Surprisingly, these groups co-existed without any violence unlike today. 

I would like to recommend to the schools that there should be a study conducted into group formation dating back to 1996, taking a more positive approach and views of groups’ origination and how it can be used as a positive catalyst to promote unity.

The lack of respect and submission to authorities is a key moral factor contributing to cult activities. 

It is where parents, guardians, communities, relevant state authorities, social and spiritual groups should make their presence and input in the child’s early stages of development to instil discipline and positive way of living.  

Increase social activities and students’ networks in schools like exchange programmes, debates, cultural days, sports and visits to promote unity.

Promote Religious Instruction (RI) and Guidance Programme to school curriculum, specifically tailored to meet children’s mental and moral health, more into a holistic approach to individual development, health and well-being.

There is a lot to be done but I believe with a collective effort from all stakeholders involved and a more structured approach to these issues, we can pave a new way for our children’s future and bring back academic performance to its days of prominences. 

Samuel Ilau

Lae