All hands needed to stop crime and violence

EDITOR: “Satan finds work for idle hands to do.” It appears that the true cause of crime and violence is idleness. Therefore, we must all seek to engage ourselves and others in meaningful activities to keep out of trouble. “Love your enemies and pray for those who treat you badly” (Matt 5:43-44). Besides this, our values that we live by come from training at home, church, and school. Other clubs and organizations can also help to shape us, helping us to learn to get along with each other, to settle disputes, to lose with dignity, and to work together even with our differences. Fairness and meritocracy will help to stop crime.

It is not fair that most of our educational resources are channeled towards certain “academic” professions to the deprivation of the majority “technical” professions. Correction of this imbalance will go a long way in crime prevention. By the time a child completes primary or secondary school he should be competent in at least one practical skill that can be used to earn a living. Meritocracy across the board with opportunities and jobs will also be a crime prevention measure.

School is the one place where all are likely to pass through. Therefore, the values and attitudes we need our citizens to have must be taught there.

Those who learn them at home, at church, or in another community organization will have the advantage.

We should set up Employment Agencies rather than Hand Out Agencies.

Financial counselling is also vital. We all need to learn how to manage our finances and live within our means. With a combination of efforts we can reduce the incidence of deviant behavior in our community.

Anthony Stewart, PhD