Mr Ivan Connor, a Business Adviser at KPMG LLC and CEO of Summit Consultancy Services LLC in Anguilla, has emphasised the need for a male influence in the island’s schools.
Mr. Connor, who was the Chairman of the opening ceremony of Early Childhood Education Month on March 1, lauded the schools and teachers for their hard work – a task that made him vow never to return to the classroom as a teacher. Nevertheless, he recognised that there was a need for more male teachers throughout the entire school system.
“There is no hiding that we have a serious problem in Anguilla today,” he said. “We can either waltz or dance around; we can go to the House [of Assembly] and discuss it; or we can put action into practice and do something about what is happening. We have to curtail it at this age. It is evident and I am deeply concerned because I have a son who is four years old, and will be entering kindergarten in September.
“My concern is – you heard me vowed just now – that I will never teach again – and I am sure that is the sentiment of a lot of men in this room – but we don’t have to teach to have an impact. You can visit the schools; you can pass by them and assist them not to become confused thinking that dressing with their pants below their waist is the accepted norm; you can read a story to them; and support them financially. Whatever it takes, the onus is upon us as men to make more investment in our children.
“I know that the change we so greatly desire is not going to happen unless we merge our efforts with the teachers and students here.”
